On Monday night, Ben Simmons went off on the two biggest favorites to win the NBA championship this season, taking a couple of jabs at them trying to make the case for his Philadelphia 76ers as a legit candidate to win the Larry O’Brien trophy next July.
The Sixers dominated the Dallas Mavericks, 95-113, as visitors, with Joel Embiid dropping 36 points (23 in the first half) on four defenders the Mavs put on him, demonstrating he’s still a strong candidate to win the MVP award this campaign. It was a great performance by the Sixers and Simmons made sure to let everybody know this team isn’t a joke and they’re focused on knocking down the favorites and they have the tools to do so.
The point guard said the team is ready and working to face the Lakers in a potential Finals while taking a shot at the Nets, their Big 3, and their non-existent defense.
“We’re going for the past champs, the Lakers,” he said.
“They were the ones who won a championship, so you got to give the respect to them. Obviously, Brooklyn has a lot of talent. But at the end of the day, there’s only one ball and you gotta play defense too.”
Ben Simmons: "We're going for the past champs, the Lakers. They were the ones who won a championship, so you got to give the respect to them. Obviously Brooklyn has a lot of talent. But at the end of the day, there's only one ball and you gotta play defense too."
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) April 13, 2021
Ben was feeling himself last night, as he should, and not only made the case for the team but himself, claiming he wants to be the best defender in the entire NBA.
“I want to be the clear-cut best defender in the league. I don’t want to be second or third.”
When Tyrese Maxey interrupted his post-game interview, saying Ben was the 2021 DPOY, the Australian agreed with his teammate.
“He ain’t lying,” Simmons replied.
Tyrese Maxey just interrupted Ben Simmons’ press conference and yelled “Defensive Player of the Year!”
Simmons then replied: “He ain’t lying.” #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) April 13, 2021
This man is having himself a very good season, helping his team on the defensive end of the ball. He has had some very good scoring nights, too, but that’s mostly Joel Embiid’s job now. Simmons is embracing his role as a playmaker while having very good performances on defense. He’s one of the candidates to win the award alongside Rudy Gobert but the 25-year-old believes he’s the rightful winner as of right now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5bMnHv-IJw
