Kevin Durant, Nets rout 76ers in Ben Simmons’ return to Philadelphia

Seth Curry added 24 factors, and Kyrie Irving had 22 for the Nets. They entered in eighth place within the East, however seemed like a reliable convention contender whereas badly outplaying the third-place 76ers.

Joel Embiid had 27 factors and 12 rebounds for the 76ers, and James Harden completed with simply 11 factors. It was the primary loss for Philadelphia in six video games with Harden within the lineup.

The sport was dubbed as “Boo Ben” night time, however the raucous followers as a substitute turned their displeasure on the house crew when the 76ers went to the locker room trailing 72-51 and once more when Brooklyn constructed a surprising 32-point lead within the third quarter.

Simmons, carrying a designer hockey jersey and flashy jewellery, watched from the bench, doubtless taking delight within the vitriol deflected away from him. The three-time All-Star is continuous to get better from a again damage that has sidelined him since being swapped for Harden in a blockbuster deal on the commerce deadline.

“Ben Simmons sucks. I am glad he is out of Philly,” stated one fan earlier than the sport.

Different followers opted to point out compassion.

“Cease the hate for Ben Simmons. We want him luck. He is a younger man that realized his lesson,” stated Simmons supporter Michelle Cordovano Mart.

Whereas Simmons hasn’t taken the ground but, Harden had been a boon for the 76ers in contrast to his time in Brooklyn, the place the so-called Large 3 of Harden, Durant and Irving managed to play simply 16 video games collectively following Harden’s commerce to Brooklyn final January that was billed as a doubtlessly championship transfer. Harden exchanged fist bumps with Nets workers members simply earlier than tip earlier than a surprisingly poor efficiency from the 10-time All-Star and former MVP.

Harden missed 14 of 17 field-goal makes an attempt.

The one shot Simmons took was a dunk throughout pregame warmups that drew derisive cheers from the Philly followers.

The boos began early, as Simmons was met with catcalls whereas boarding the crew bus to shootaround from the Nets’ downtown lodge. Simmons did oblige one fan for an autograph, with one other being heard on a video extensively circulated on social media yelling, “Why the grievance? Why spit within the face of Sixers followers? We did nothing however assist you for 5 years, Ben. You recognize that.”

The heckling continued when Simmons was on the enviornment. He entered the courtroom 55 minutes previous to tip, carrying a sleeveless Nets warmup shirt and sweats and spent 20 minutes passing for Patty Mills’ warmup photographs. He did not embrace any of his former teammates, although he did stroll the size of the courtroom to hug a 76ers official.

A big safety presence intently watched the gang and cell telephones captured each Simmons transfer.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Nets: LaMarcus Aldridge (hip) missed his second straight contest.

76ers: Danny Inexperienced sat out after injuring his left center finger within the first half of the 76ers’ 121-106 win over the Bulls on Monday.

TIP-INS

Nets: Improved to 21-15 on the highway, the place Irving is simply allowed to play as a consequence of his vaccination standing. … Curry and Andre Drummond, who additionally have been a part of the Simmons for Harden commerce, have been cheered throughout introductions, Curry made 10 of 14 photographs, together with 4 of 8 from 3-point vary. Drummond had seven factors and 7 rebounds. … Durant additionally had 14 rebounds and 7 assists.

76ers: Paul Millsap returned after lacking Monday’s recreation towards Chicago as a consequence of private causes however did not play. … Former Sixers and Corridor of Famers Allen Iverson and Julus “Dr. J” Erving have been in attendance. Erving rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell earlier than the competition. … Harden handed Reggie Miller for third on the NBA’s all-time 3-point record when he made his 2,561st trey with 6:47 left within the first quarter.

UP NEXT

Nets: Host New York on Sunday.

76ers: At Orlando on Sunday.

The Related Press contributed to this report.