Ben Simmons Replaces LeBron James With Triple-Double Feat Against Cavaliers

Ben Simmons entered his name into the history books Sunday night during the Philadelphia 76ers’ 128-105 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers after he became the youngest player to achieve a turnover-free triple-double of at least 20 points.

The Australian basketball star collected his third triple-double of the season with 22 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds during the win over the Cavaliers. He was delighted when told that his numbers were achieved without a turnover, stating: “Wow”. “I’m happy. I didn’t know that, but I’m happy,” according to news.com.au.

The 22-year-old surpassed LeBron James, who was the record holder for having a turnover-free triple-double, having achieved it when he was 24 years old. The reigning Rookie of the Year also surpassed certified NBA greats such as Jason Kidd, Russel Westbrook and Magic Johnson.

The triple-double against the Cavaliers was Simmons’ 15th which now puts him in second on the list for most triple-doubles in 76ers history. But he is well behind the record holder Wilt Chamberlain, who has 62.

The Philadelphia franchise improved their record to 20-11 for the season and are now comfortable in fourth place on the Eastern Conference. Simmons was delighted with the win and believes the return of Jimmy Butler from injury helped in dispatching the Cavaliers, who lost their 23rd game of the season.

‘‘Having Jimmy back helped because we had multiple guys that could put it away,’’ Simmons said, as quoted on the Sydney Morning Herald. ‘‘I just do what I can offensively and help find guys who are scoring.”

‘‘Numbers are numbers. Obviously, stat-wise, it looks good,” the Australian added talking about his triple-double record.

The Australian was the second highest scorer on the night behind Joel Embiid as he made 9 out of 15 shots and 4 out of 5 from the free throw line. And Butler was quick to praise Simmons admitting that the game is “really easy” for the rest of the players if he plays the way he did against the Cavaliers.

‘‘Ben is doing what he always does for us, passing the ball,’’ Butler said. ‘‘When he’s playing like that, the game is really easy for everybody.’’

"Passing the ball on target, on time for everybody to be able to be successful,” the four-time All-Star added. “If he can get constant triple-doubles, we can get constant dubs [wins].”

Butler, meanwhile, admitted he was “good” after the game and revealed that he had the easiest job to do as all the players in the team were in form against the Cavaliers. He was clear that his poor first quarter was not the result of missing the last two games with a minor groin strain.

“I’m good,” Butler said, as quoted on Philly.com. "I’m telling you, whenever you are playing with such good guys that cost so much attention, I have the easy job to do the majority of the nights. I think the guys are really good at finding me and everybody else.”