Ben Simmons is clutch; Sixers win close one in Dallas

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The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-110 in what is finally a close game victory. No, really, the Sixers won instead of the other team losing the game. There's a difference and the Sixers, led by Ben Simmons, played very well and did the right things during those clutch moments.

The Sixers and Mavericks shot very well to start the game. Both teams shot at least 60 percent from 3-point range while shooting at least 50 percent from the field. Eventually, things cooled down, of course. At the half, the Sixers were shooting a flat 50 percent from the field and 3-point range. The Mavs were shooting better from the field at 53.8 percent, but shot worse from long range at 45 percent.

Honestly, the entire Nerlens Noel versus Joel Embiid wasn't all special. Statistically, Embiid was better. But, the two players didn't actually face each other much during the game. Meh.

JJ Redick was a late scratch as he had back pain. So, the starting lineup shifted. Dario Saric started at power forward. In his first start of the season, he scored 12 points, all of those points coming as 3-pointers, and had three assists.

Ya know, both teams really just…they loved shooting the ball from long range. They really did. The first quarter was a shootout as the first four shots made were 3-pointers. The 3rd quarter started off similar to that.

Man, this game ended with just…if you watched this game, first of all, are you alright? Still breathing? Second of all, MY GOODNESS.

The Sixers won this game, and, honestly, the clutch play of Simmons made it possible. Embiid also played a big factor. TJ McConnell is such a huge plus for this team.

Let's talk about the final moments of the game. The Sixers were up 111-107 when Harrison Barnes nailed a 3-pointer to make it 111-110. Jeryyd Bayless ended up getting fouled and went to the free throw line. He made the first free throw and then missed the second. The score was 112-110. Yogi Ferrell, the Mavs' best free throw shooter who was shooting 96 percent from the line entering the game, was fouled driving to the basket.

It's 0.02 seconds left. There is no time left. Ferrell has a chance to tie the game.

He…he missed!!!!!

He missed the first free throw, so now the Mavs only have one option: Miss the second one and tip the miss in to send into overtime. The Mavs couldn't get the tip and the Sixers won.

Look, let's just look at Simmons' line at the end of the night. 23 points on 66.7 percent shooting. Seven rebounds. Eight assists. Three steals. One block. Just one turnover. This guy is playing like a veteran out there. Goodness.

Embiid also had 23 points. Nine rebounds. Four assists. But…sigh…seven turnovers. Not good, there.

McConnell finished with 15 points. Eight assists. Four rebounds.

This win was bigger than the first win of the season for one major reason: They won in the clutch. They were able to close out the close game. They also did this on the road. Absolutely great for the team. The last time they won in Dallas was 2005, so that's another cool thing if you care about that stuff.

Both teams shot well and often from long range. The final numbers combined were 35-75. The Sixers were 16-35 and the Mavs were 19-40. Just all of the shots, man. All of the shots.

The next game is against the Houston Rockets and you better believe, with the confidence of winning a close game and revenge fresh on their minds, the Sixers will look to get a winning streak going. Easier said than done, though.

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