The blueprint is already out on how to stop the Sixers: shut down Ben Simmons. The Boston Celtics made this prominent in last year’s conference semifinals tilt with the Sixers where they ran through the favourites in just five games.
In that series, the Celtics limited Simmons to just 14.4 points with a measly offensive rating of 92. Simmons also committed 24 turnovers (4.8 per game) to just 32 assists (6.4). It was one of his least memorable moments as a star and revealed to the world that he, and the Sixers, just weren’t ready.
Simmons has grown a season wiser and better and the Sixers will make adjustments.