Ben Simmons wasn’t happy with Philadelphia 76ers fans who booed the team in their Game One loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
Tell us how you really feel, Ben Simmons. The Philadelphia 76ers star laced into fans after the Brooklyn Nets gave Philly a beating on their home floor.
Ben Simmons: "If you're a #Sixers fan and you're going to boo, stay on that side." pic.twitter.com/IWHtkHUkYy
— Rob Tornoe (@RobTornoe) April 13, 2019
“If you’re going to boo, stay on that side,” Simmons told reporters after the game. “If you’re a Sixers fan and you’re going to boo, stay on that side.”
Bold move to criticize your own fans after laying an egg in the first game of the playoffs. Simmons and company had a golden opportunity to hold serve at home. When that didn’t happen, the Philly crowd made sure to voice their displeasure.
The Philly fans are most well-known for throwing snowballs at Santa Claus, so it’s no surprise that the boo birds were out in the Wells Fargo Center. There were a handful of fans booing Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper after his third at-bat with the team.
Simmons scored nine points, hauled in three boards, but had only three assists against three turnovers. He was a non-factor for much of the game. Oddly enough, the slow-footed Jared Dudley gave Simmons serious problems with his positioning, discipline, and savviness.
As the series continues, expect the Nets to continue playing Simmons the same way they did on Saturday. Brooklyn completely sagged off Simmons and dared him to shoot. It’s up to Simmons to adapt to the defense and figure out a way to have more of an impact moving forward.
