Ben Simmons paces Sixers with near triple-double in win over Hawks

Australian rookie Ben Simmons has continued his dazzling start to the 2018-19 NBA season with a near triple-double in the Sixers' comprehensive win over Atlanta.

Simmons was in command all night as the Sixers used a dominant third quarter to pull away from the young Hawks for a 113-92 home win.

The Australian converted eight of his 11 shots as well as knocking down all five of his free-throws en-route to a 21-point, 12-rebound, nine-assist night. 

The performance meant that Simmons has now posted at least a double-double in all five complete games he has played this season, and his perfect night at the charity stripe was the first time Simmons knocked down all of his free throws when taking five or more in an NBA game.

Simmons was also praised for the impact he had on Sixers guard Markelle Fultz who finished with 16 points and seven assists on the night. 

Converting all five of his free throws as well as eight of his eleven field-goal attempts was a welcome sight for the 22-year-old after enduring a tough 5-of-20 shooting night against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Simmons also played a part in his fellow Australian teammate Jonah Bolden scoring his first NBA basket in the fourth quarter.

The result capped off a successful day for Simmons which saw the 76ers pick up the team option on his rookie-scale contract, which will see him earn in the vicinity of AUD$11.5 million next season. 

Following the performance, Sixers fans were left impressed by the Australian superstar.