NBA recap: Ben Simmons showcases huge potential but Celtics battle back against the 76ers at the O2

Young star | Sixers rookie Ben Simmons
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
James Benge12 January 2018

British basketball fans were handed a tantalising glimpse of what looks to be the NBA’s next great rivalry as the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers did battle at the O2.

Though Boston ultimately triumphed in some style, 114-103, these two young sides, packed with exuberant talent and well-placed to acquire more top players, put on a show that suggests both will be competing in the upper echelons of the NBA for years to come.

All-Star guard Kyrie Irving turned on the fireworks with 20 points, seven assists and six rebounds, with able support from second-year guard Jaylen Brown (21 points) and rookie forward Jayson Tatum (16) as Boston battled back from a slow start to claim a seventh straight win, tightening their grip on top spot in the Eastern Conference in the process. Philadelphia’s frustrations at seeing their lead slip away boiled over towards the end when rookie guard Ben Simmons appeared to shoulder charge Marcus Morris, but then all the best sporting rivalries need animosity.

“Boston and Philly, there’s always been a rivalry and both of us have a bright future,” second-year centre Joel Embiid said. “We’re not there yet but if we get a chance to play them in the play-offs we’ve got a chance.”

NBA London 2018 | Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers | 11/01/2018

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Though Philadelphia threw away a lead that peaked at 22 points there was cause for optimism in Simmons. At 6ft 10in but with the dribbling, vision and elegance of a much slighter player, the Australian more than lived up to early comparisons with LeBron James.

“Ben can be anything he wants to be with his set of skills,” Sixers coach Brett Brown said. “His skill package, along with his athleticism, is unicorn-like for a player of his size. He’s unique.”

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