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Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons puts on a show during 2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge

By Dan Parzych

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the World Team drives to the basket against John Collins #20 of the U.S. Team during the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars at Spectrum Center on February 15, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the World Team drives to the basket against John Collins #20 of the U.S. Team during the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars at Spectrum Center on February 15, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers fans had plenty to cheer for Friday night when Ben Simmons put on quite the show during the 2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge.

As tough as it can be to take the festivities of NBA All-Star Weekend seriously, Philadelphia 76ers fans did receive some enjoyment Friday night when Ben Simmons took part in the Rising Stars Challenge when Team World took on Team USA.

Chances are that if Team World didn’t come up on the losing end 161-144 to Team USA, Simmons most likely would have taken home MVP honors after finishing with 28 points (14-of-17 shooting from the field) to go along with five rebounds and six assists.

Rightfully so, Kyle Kuzma took home the honors after finishing with 35 points while connecting on 10 3-point shots, as the young Los Angeles Lakers star made an early case in the game, and never looked back.

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Since this kind of game is always in good fun with little defense, it was exciting to watch Kuzma and Simmons put on a show throughout the contest since it became clear one of them would win the award, depending on whether Team USA or Team World won the contest.

For obvious reasons, basketball fans shouldn’t be too upset over Simmons coming up short for the MVP award since they should just be thrilled over the fact that the Philadelphia star played as well as he did.

Not to mention, there were some questions heading into the contest over how seriously Simmons would take this game since he would be playing in the actual All-Star game two days later, but once again this shows his competitive nature.

The Sixers felt confident enough back in 2016 they had someone special in Simmons after taking the former LSU star with the top overall pick in the NBA Draft, and the last two seasons have made it clear he’s easily one of the most competitive players in the league.

Watching Philadelphia develop into one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference the way they have since last season seems to be an early sign over how Simmons and company are just scratching the surface of their true potential.

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If basketball fans received enjoyment in watching Simmons compete in the Rising Stars Challenge, one can only imagine how much fun it’s going to see him with some of the NBA’s best Sunday night during the actual game.