Sixers coach Doc Rivers praises Ben Simmons for defense in win over Bulls
The Philadelphia 76ers had to once again turn to their starters late to close out a win on Monday over the Chicago Bulls. The Sixers were in the midst of blowing a big lead in the fourth quarter, but coach Doc Rivers turned to his starters and they were able to close out the win.
A big reason was that Ben Simmons was able to come up with a couple of huge defensive plays down the stretch. He was a big reason why the Sixers held Chicago to only seven points over the final 7:01 of the game after the Bulls opened the quarter on a 24-5 run.
There was one specific play where the Bulls were trying to inbounds the ball with 1:02 left and Simmons blew it up, he got a steal, and he dunked it to seal the win late. That is the type of play that wins the Defensive Player of the Year award.
“Again, you don’t see me campaigning and I’m not going to, but I’m just gonna say it again, there’s not a better defender in this league,” said Rivers. “That last side out of bounds play, they ran a great action, Ben blew it up completely, they couldn’t get the ball in, he gets a steal, and the game’s over.”
Simmons has had to guard a variety of guys this season from LeBron James to James Harden to Jayson Tatum and others. It goes to show just how elite of a defender Simmons is.
“I don’t know how many times he’s done that,” Rivers added. “We’re talking about ultra-quick guys, we’re talking about big guys. His ability, his strength, I think is what surprises most of the guys that he’s guarding. He’s just been really good for us.”
Simmons has as good a chance as anybody to take home the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021, but he will have competition. He just has to continue to play hard on that end. The team will have another challenge on Wednesday against Kevin Porter Jr. and the Houston Rockets.
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