Simmons' Late FTs Gives 76ers 116-115 Win Over Bulls

By ESPN

CHICAGO -- Ben Simmons couldn't recall winning a game from the free throw line at any level before Thursday night.

Still, the rookie stepped to the line with the confidence of a veteran.

Simmons scored a career-high 32 points, making two free throws with 5.6 seconds left to complete Philadelphia's rally from five points down in the final minute, and the 76ers beat the Chicago Bulls 116-115.

"Stepping up to the line, I knew I was going to knock `em down. You have to have that mentality," he said.

Joel Embiid had 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Simmons added 11 assists and seven rebounds as Philadelphia won its sixth straight and snapped a four-game road losing streak.

Bobby Portis had a career-high 38 points and Zach LaVine added 23 for the Bulls, who were 18 for 34 on 3-pointers.

"He's a guy that continues to grow and develop," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. "It's been fun to see him shooting the ball without any hesitation."

Chicago had a 115-114 lead and the ball with 8 seconds to go before Embiid deflected an inbounds pass to create a turnover. Simmons came up with the ball near halfcourt and was fouled by Denzel Valentine. He made both free throws.

"First of all, we needed a steal," Simmons said. "I saw Joel get it and he kind of lobbed it to me."

Portis had a chance for a game winner, but his short attempt -- with Embiid closing from the weak side -- just missed.

The 76ers raced to a 25-7 lead midway through the first quarter before Portis got hot and Chicago started making 3s.

Philadelphia's lead was down to 33-29 at the end of the quarter and the Bulls busted out for 40 points in the second to take a 69-67 halftime lead. Chicago was 9 of 12 on 3-pointers in the quarter, including 4 for 5 by Portis.

The 76ers were up by five early in the fourth before Portis scored six straight points -- on a 3-pointer and a three-point play -- to put the Bulls on top 101-100. A few minutes later, Portis dunked over Embiid to stretch the lead to 111-106 with just over four minutes to play.

LaVine hit a 3-pointer to make it 115-110 with 1:02 left.

"We stole that win," Embiid said. "We didn't play well. Offensively, I thought, we were moving the ball when we needed, but defensively I thought we sucked."

TIP-INS

76ers: C Embiid has nine straight double-doubles. ... Simmons has six triple-doubles this season, which ties him with Wilt Chamberlain (three times) and Billy Cunningham for most in a season in team history.

Bulls: To look at some younger players during the final 25 games, C Robin Lopez and G/F Justin Holiday were removed from the starting lineup. Both were inactive on Thursday as Cristiano Felicio and David Nwaba (21 points) started; Also, Cameron Payne -- who played in his first game on Thursday -- will replace Jerian Grant as the backup point guard.

"It really is hard," Hoiberg said. "It's hard for Robin, it's hard for Justin and it's hard for Jerian, who's probably making as big a sacrifice as anybody."

Thursday, February 22 Scoreboard

Charlotte 111, Brooklyn 96

New York 120, Orlando 113

Washington 110, Cleveland 103

Philadelphia 116, Chicago 115

Oklahoma  City 110, Sacramento 107

Golden State 134, Los Angeles Clippers 127

Friday, February 23 Schedule (All Times Central)

Boston at Detroit, 6 p.m.

Atlanta at Indiana, 6 p.m.

Charlotte at Washignton, 6 p.m.

Milwaukee at Toronto, 6:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Houston, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at Memphis, 7 p.m.

Miami at New Orleans, 7 p.m.

San Antonio at Denver, 8 p.m.

Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

Portland at Utah, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Los Angeles Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 24 Schedule (All Times Central)

Orlando at Philadelphia, 4 p.m.

Memphis at Miami, 6:30 p.m.

Boston at New York, 6:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Golden State, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at MInnesota, 8 p.m.

Portland at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Utah, 8 p.m.

Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Sunday, February 25 Schedule (All Times Central)

Detroit at Charlotte, noon

New Orleans at Milwaukee, 2 p.m.

San Antonio at Cleveland, 2:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Washington, 7 p.m.

Houston at Denver, 7 p.m.