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Simmons delivers triple-double as Sixers explode past Nets
LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Ben Simmons heard cheers instead of jeers Monday as the Philadelphia 76ers set a franchise record with 51 points in the third quarter en route to a 145-123 playoff win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Australia’s Simmons, who had criticized the Philadelphia fans’ booing in game one of the series, delivered a triple-double of 18 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
He joined Wilt Chamberlain and Charles Barkley as the only Sixers to get multiple triple-doubles in the postseason, and this time he left to a standing ovation from the home fans.
Philadelphia grabbed command of the contest with a 51-point third quarter, a team record for most points in a quarter.
The Sixers also set a club record for most points in a playoff game, squaring their best-of-seven opening round series 1-1.
Game three is on Thursday in New York.
Ailing Joel Embiid finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead Philadelphia, who shot 56 percent from the field. Embiid was a game-time decision due to a sore left knee.
Tobias Harris added 19 points, JJ Redick scored 17, reserve center Boban Marjanovic had 16 and Mike Scott scored 15 for Philadelphia.
Spencer Dinwiddie scored 19 and D’Angelo Russell added 16 for the Nets, who set a team record for points allowed in a postseason game.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson got 15, while Caris LeVert and Shabazz Napier scored 13 each.
BSS/AFP/AU/11:55 hrs