Valkyries set for historic WNBA finals | 03:57
Ben Simmons continues to flash promising signs as the Sacramento Kings dropped their fifth-straight preseason game.
And a “big” sign suggests he’ll play a considerable role spearheading Doug Christie’s fledgling offence.
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Matched up with reigning NBA finalists San Antonio on Saturday AEDT, the Kings struggled early and often, with Simmons giving a mixed bag in the first half before growing into the game.
The 30-year-old started 1-5 from the field over quarters one and two and committed multiple turnovers including a lazy half-court giveaway that resulted in an emphatic Stephon Castle slam.
But as has always been the foundation of his game, the former No.1 pick flashed his characteristic playmaking as a primary ball-handler, finding teammates including guard Zach LaVine for open shots.
But while his capability as a facilitator has rarely been questioned over the journey, it’s been his outside-shooting hesitation that’s hampered the three-time All-Star’s NBA progression.
In the 126-97 blowout loss in San Antonio, Simmons built into his offence with short-range hooks, floaters and fadeaways.
He wound up shooting 5-9 from the field for 14 points, with 12 coming in the third quarter alone and all five makes coming inside the key.
He added eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal inside 26 minutes alongside fellow starters LaVine and Domas Sabonis (30 minutes each). Simmons didn’t play in the fourth.
“I’m really impressed,” Spurs broadcaster Dan Weiss said.
“Twenty-one minutes; eight points, five rebounds, four assists … he’s done a little bit of everything.”
A beautiful lob pass for a LaVine dunk towards the end of the third quarter drew more plaudits.
“He could always do that; he could always pass the ball,” colour analyst Jacob Tovey added.
“And that’s where he will serve as maybe the biggest asset for the Kings; his ability to read the floor.”
After sitting out the entirety of last season, Simmons is poised to play in his first NBA regular-season match since April 2025.
Over in Philadelphia, LeBron James’ 76ers were beaten in overtime by an understrength Boston Celtics squad, 125-120.
James was a +17 in 25 minutes of action, scoring eight points with eight rebounds and seven assists, with Joel Embiid (27 points on 7-13 shooting in 29 minutes) leading the scoring for Philly.
The Celtics boasted a balanced attack, with Hugo Gonzalez coming off the bench to lead his team with 21 on an efficient 6-10 mark.
Fellow Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls Toronto and the Pistons also battled out a close one in Detroit, with the home team prevailing by four points as four starters finished in double digits.
Star guard Cade Cunningham scored 18 points on 8-12 shooting in 26 minutes.
Milwaukee pipped Indiana by one point in overtime, with Tyler Herro scoring 25 points in 24 minutes, while Atlanta cruised past Dallas thanks to 25 points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker.