Aussie Simmons loses with the Nets

The pregame attention was on former Sixer Simmons, who was playing in Philadelphia for the first time since being traded to the Nets in February, but the home club, which was without players Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey because of injuries, stole the show. De'Anthony Melton contributed 22 points, Tobias Harris scored 18 of his 24 points after halftime, and Paul Reed came off the bench to energize the 76ers with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Georges Niang and Shake Milton both added 16 points. 

The thunderous jeers Simmons received from Sixers supporters during his introduction and whenever he touched the ball were a result of their bitter breakup with the 26-year-old Australian after four seasons in Philadelphia. In 32 minutes of action, Simmons, the first overall choice of the 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft, scored 11 points.