Search icon
Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 10:45 IST, December 16th 2019

Ben Simmons meets Australian fan battling cancer in emotional moment during NBA game

NBA 2019-20: Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons met a young Australian fan battling cancer during 76ers vs Nets game on Sunday night (Monday morning IST).

Reported by: Devika Pawar
null | Image: self

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons met his young Australian fan on Sunday night (Monday morning IST). The fan, Kai, has cancer and flew in from Australia to meet Simmons and attended the 76ers game against the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers posted a video of Kai and Ben Simmons shaking hands, while Simmons posted a photo on his official Twitter account.

Also read | NBA 2019-20: Philadelphia 76ers bag thrilling win on road vs Boston Celtics, Joel Embiid drops 38 pts

NBA: Ben Simmons meets Australian fan battling with cancer during 76ers vs Nets game

Also read | NBA 2019-20: Celtics' Jaylen Brown hilariously compares Grant Williams' 3-PT drought with Ben Simmons

The 76ers video shows Ben Simmons shaking hands with the fan, and later the fan’s father. In Simmons’ Twitter post, he thanked Kai for coming out and supporting Philadelphia 76ers. He ended the caption by asking Kai to stay strong. The 76ers lost the game to the Nets 109-89, ending their 5 game winning streak. Simmons scored team-high 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks for the 76ers while shooting 70% from the field. He is currently averaging at 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game.

Also read | NBA 2019-20: Ben Simmons drains first 3 pointer of his NBA career, Twitter goes berserk in seconds

The Brooklyn fans also booed Ben Simmons during the game, chanting "you are average" at the point guard while he was at the foul line. Fans also yelled "Jared Dudley" at Simmons. The LA Lakers small forward had previously labelled Simmons as average. An NBA commentator thought the chants were ‘hurtful’. The 76ers next game is against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night (Thursday morning IST). 

Also read | NBA 2019-20: Not giving up his shot: Ben Simmons’ jumper could lift 76ers

Updated 12:37 IST, December 16th 2019

LIVE TV

Republic TV is India's no.1 English news channel since its launch.