Section 215
Fansided

76ers fans go nuts over Ben Simmons hitting 3-point shot in preseason

By Dan Parzych

CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 30: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during Media Day at 76ers Training Complex on September 30, 2019 in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 30: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during Media Day at 76ers Training Complex on September 30, 2019 in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers fans lost their minds on Tuesday when Ben Simmons finally hit a 3-point shot in a game.

After numerous videos throughout the offseason of Ben Simmons hitting 3-point shots, Philadelphia 76ers fans were excited to see if the star guard could finally pull it off in a meaningful game on Tuesday.

Even though Tuesday’s contest against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions was only preseason, this would mark the first time that Sixers fans would get to see Simmons in an actual game for the first time since that heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

As expected, Philadelphia gained an early lead over the Loong-Lions, and would never look back, as these two teams don’t even come close in comparison from a talent perspective.

But as exciting as it was to see the Sixers build up a large lead in this one, the 3-point shot Simmons connected on before halftime is what fans will be talking about the most from this contest.

A shot like this in the preseason may not seem like the biggest deal in the world to most basketball fans, but when looking at all of the criticism surrounding Simmons over his inability to shoot the basketball, this is a huge step in the right direction.

Over the last few months, there have been plenty of updates and videos showing that Simmons was working hard at developing his jumper to help put Philadelphia in better position to compete in the Eastern Conference.

While there were plenty of factors behind the Sixers coming up short last season in the playoffs to the Raptors, it was difficult not to wonder what a difference maker Simmons would have been if Philadelphia could rely on him being able to shoot the basketball.

The results of one game clearly doesn’t mean that all is fixed with Simmons in the shooting department, but as mentioned before, what took place on Tuesday should be viewed as a big deal for the Sixers.

Based off the reactions from his teammates and the fans in attendance, one can only imagine what it will be like to witness Simmons hit one from downtown in a more meaningful game during the regular season.

Most importantly, if Philadelphia can in fact rely on Simmons to shoot more, it’s only going to make the Sixers that much more dangerous of a team in the Eastern Conference.

And who knows, maybe the Sixers will finally have the difference maker they need to help punch their ticket to the NBA Finals down the road when the time comes, but for now, it only seems fair to focus on the rest of October.