Australian NBA star Ben Simmons has scored the fifth triple-double of his career in Philadelphia's win over Chicago.
Ben Simmons has rebounded from his NBA All-Star snubbing with the fifth triple-double of his rookie season as Philadelphia crushed Chicago.
The Australian starred with 19 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists for the 76ers in their 115-101 home victory on Wednesday, the day after being overlooked for an All-Star reserve spot.
The 21-year-old, who's been picked to play for the World against the USA in the All-Star weekend's Rising Stars Challenge, racked up his triple-double inside the first minute of the second half and his 22nd minute on court.
In a game the Sixers billed as Australian Heritage Night, Simmons maintained third position for most triple-doubles of 2017-18, behind Russell Westbrook (14) and LeBron James (7).
The Melbourne product's stunning 11 rebounds in the first quarter almost tied a franchise record for rebounds in a quarter by Hall of Fame centre Wilt Chamberlain.
Simmons denied being motivated by missing out on the rare feat of gaining All-Star honours as a rookie.
"That my teammates can score," Simmons said when asked by NBC what message the performance sent.
"They're great players. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have a triple-double.
"I want to be the greatest to play the game. It's going to take a lot of work, but I believe I can get there."
Joel Embiid scored 22 points, Dario Saric added 21 points and 10 rebounds and Robert Covington contributed 16 points for the Sixers, who never trailed and led by as many as 25 points as it has won eight of its last 10 games.
Philadelphia move into seventh in Eastern Conference standings.
Elsewhere, Australian Joe Ingles starred with 13 points and seven assists as his Utah Jazz beat Detroit 98-95.
Ingles made a tying layup in the final seconds of regulation, then added two straight three-pointers in overtime to clinch the victory.
Indiana forward Thaddeus Young scored 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting to lead the Pacers to a 116-101 rout of Phoenix.
Meanwhile, New Orleans defeated Charlotte 101-96 and Toronto beat Atlanta 108-93.
