Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. 76ers

2. Ben Simmons can’t crack Boston’s defense

As a 6’10”, 230-pound point guard, Ben Simmons provides some unique matchup issues for pretty much every team in the NBA.

Not many players at his size can match his speed, size and God-given passing ability, making him a nightmare in transition and a terror in the pick-and-roll.

In Game 2, that didn’t seem to affect Boston all that much, as Simmons was held to just one point on 0-of-4 shooting, with seven assists and five turnovers to round out a rather subpar performance from a player who’s been anything but during these playoffs.

What turned out great for the Celtics was Simmons’ inability to create for both himself and others during Game 2, as, in most cases, it’s usually one or the other.

Look at LeBron James as an example.

While obviously a more polished scorer than Simmons, when James’ shot fails to drop, he’ll make a concerted effort to dish the ball to his teammates, and vice versa, allowing him to still impact the game on the offensive end.

For Simmons to have neither high points nor assists totals, with five turnovers to match, speaks volumes of Boston’s ability to take away multiple areas of strength for the Sixers’ future superstar, and it bodes well for their chances of limiting Simmons as the series progresses.