Stop Complaining About Ben Simmons And Try Appreciating Him
In Philadelphia we eat our young. We have trouble appreciating things in the moment, choosing to criticize instead, and think back fondly. Its happened with countless careers of amazing athletes who have come through this city. Heavily criticized while they’re here. Only to be revered when they are gone. Ben Simmons has a chance to be one of those players. And yesterday was a prime example.
If you’re one of those Sixers fans who after Sunday’s game 1 win who couldn’t appreciate what you watched, instead choosing to focus on the lack of points from Ben Simmons then please do us all a favor and keep it to yourself. If you cant appreciate what you watched yesterday then you’re likely never going to be satisfied. At this point, if you are one of those fans, you’re scoffing at this. Saying aloud “I’ll be satisfied when he ____.” But lets focus on the greatness we saw, not the greatness we didn’t. You’re the negadelphian that no one likes hearing from. The guy whos at a championship parade and is complaining that its too crowded and the temperature isn’t to your liking.
There is no doubt that Ben Simmons couldve/shouldve added more points. That isn’t up for debate. What is up for debate is why harp on it? Why focus on THAT when Ben Simmons dominated in every OTHER area of the game? Ben Simmons finished with 6 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. His 15 boards and assists led all players in the game. His 15 assists were a playoff career high. Its the fourth time hes had 10 or more assists, and each time its happened the Sixers have won. His 15 boards were also a new playoff high. Its only the sixth time in NBA history a player had 15 boards and 15 assists in a playoff game.
Ill repeat that for the people in the back who might not have heard it. WHAT YOU SAW SUNDAY HAS ONLY HAPPENED 5 PREVIOUS TIMES IN THE NBA PLAYOFFS. And yet, some want to focus on the points, or lack thereof. It’s time to give it a rest. At least for one game. Do everyone a favor and sit this one out.
Because even if you want to ignore the rebounds and assists, the defense he played was…..defensive player of the year defense. He frustrated the hell out of Westbrook and Beal. Yes, they got theirs, but they scratched and clawed. They were given nothing, and turned the ball over a combined 8 times. A lot of that was because of the defense that Ben Simmons was playing.
Ben Simmons is not a perfect player. He is never going to be a perfect player. But after a performance like that, today is NOT the day to be the negadelphian. Today is a day to be APPRECIATIVE of the fact that Ben Simmons is ours.
