East Conf. Semifinals: Philadelphia 76ers 101-117 Boston Celtics - 5 Talking Points

#4 Simmons faces his first real test, and does not fare that well

Philadelphia 76ers v Boston Celtics - Game One

The Young King had his first off-game in the playoffs this year. Despite scoring 18 points, collecting 7 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists and getting 2 steals, Simmons looked visibly discomfited by the Celtics' brand of on-ball defense. The Rookie of the Year contender was guarded by Al Horford on most possessions and was made to work for nearly every point that he procured for the Sixers.

The in-the-face but fundamentally sound defense played by the Celtics on Simmons, who sagged off him given his nonexistent jump shot, took its toll on the Sixers offense, which put up its worst shooting performance of the postseason thus far. Simmons was also below-par from the charity stripe, going only 6-of-11 on free throws. With a +/- of -21 (the worst of any starter on the floor), Simmons definitely looked off target.

To top it all off, the Celtics forced Simmons into committing 7 turnovers, which is his highest number in the postseason thus far. The rookie year point guard needs to get back next game with a couple of adjustments added to his game to have a greater impact.