Ben Simmons has surpassed basketball royalty to become the youngest player in NBA history to have a turnover-free triple-double of at least 20 points.
The Australian superstar had his third triple-double of the season with 22 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in Philadelphia's 128-105 win over compatriot Matthew Dellavedova's Cleveland Cavaliers.
But it was the reigning NBA rookie of the year's first with zero turnovers and 20 or more points and put the 22-year-old ahead of LeBron James (age 24), Jason Kidd (25), Russell Westbrook (27) and Magic Johnson (31) as the youngest to achieve the rare feat.
"Wow. I'm happy. I didn't know that but I'm happy," a surprised Simmons said in his on-court interview when informed of his zero turnovers.
When Simmons earned his triple-double in the third quarter he moved into second place in franchise history with 15 - behind only Wilt Chamberlain's 62.
"I just like to play the game the right way," Simmons said.
"Find me teammates if they're open. If I can get an easy bucket, get it."
Philadelphia (20-11) are third in the eastern conference.
Simmons' fellow Australian Dellavedova was solid off the bench for the Cavaliers (7-23) with 13 points and seven assists.
A day after LeBron James and Lonzo Ball each registered a triple-double in the win at Charlotte, the Los Angeles Lakers duo appeared sluggish in a 128-110 loss at the Washington Wizards.
James had 13 points while Ball had 10 as Wizards guard John Wall took control of the game with 40 points and 14 assists.
Denver Nuggets have taken advantage of an undermanned Toronto Raptors to finish strongly and secure a 95-86 home win.
The Nuggets lead the west at 20-9 while Toronto have the best record in the NBA at 23-9.
Indiana Pacers overcame the New York Knicks 110-99 to win their 20th game of the season.
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, in his 21st season in the league, played his first home game of the season and scored three points in eight minutes in a 120-113 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Miami Heat beat the New Orleans Pelicans 102-96 while the Brooklyn Nets outgunned the Atlanta Hawks 144-127.
Share
