Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Nets

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: The Philadelphia 76ers react during a game against the Brooklyn Nets during Game Two of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 15, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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1. Ben Simmons steps up offensively

Much was made about the lack of production from Ben Simmons in the Game 1 loss. The All-Star managed just nine points and three assists while tied for the worst plus/minus on his team at -21.

From the get-go of Game 2, Simmons played with a heightened level of aggression, attacking the bucket even off makes from the Nets. He finished the game with 18 points along with 12 assists and 10 rebounds in just 29 minutes on the night. It was the type of performance Philly fans were clamoring for as they rained down boos on their prized youngster Saturday afternoon, knowing full well he was capable of so much more.

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Simmons is as complex a player as there is in the NBA today. Blessed with incredible size and passing abilities, at times he’s looked like the second coming of Magic Johnson. Yet without so much as the desire to expand his range outside the restricted area, the Aussie allows defenders to sit back and essentially play 4-on-5.

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As his most recent performance will show, sometimes the X’s and O’s don’t matter. There are times where a sheer increase in energy and an attack mentality can do wonders for a player. For Simmons, it’s an idea that can come in handy as he attempts to help lead the Sixers to new heights in the postseason.