Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons has been on tour to become NBA defensive player of the year for the last two seasons. Although he did not collect the nod last season, Simmons won the right to be named First All-Defensive Team last season.
This year, he wants more. A week or two ago, Simmons made a bold but unsurprising statement when he said he believes he is the best defensive player in the league right now.
Thursday night, while the Sixers hosted the Dallas Mavericks and superstar guard Luka Doncic, Simmons took over the matchup. And again, Simmons improved his case as he locked Doncic through the entire game.
“I feel like I’m the best defensive player in the league,” Simmons postgame on the TNT broadcast. “I can defend one through five.” Against Dallas, Simmons ’main task was to put the clamps on Doncic.
During the first half of Thursday’s game, Doncic fired just three-for-nine from the field, adding 11 points. In the second half, Doncic only saw the court for ten minutes. During that time, he rose just four hits, collecting eight points.
Entering the game Thursday, Doncic averaged nearly 30 points-per-game. After going against Simmons and the Sixers, he only managed to put up 19 points as the 76ers collected their 22nd win of the year by beating Dallas 111-97.
“[I was] just being me, doing what I do, ”the All-Star said three times after the game in terms of defending Doncic. “I like to take on those challenges. I have said this over and over again. Just tell me who to defend. ”
The Sixers needed Simmons to defend superstar Mavs, and he did a good job. Now, the Sixers are looking forward to facing the Cavaliers Saturday night.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him on Twitter: @JGrasso_