Philadelphia 76ers guard Anfernee Simons knew it was only a matter of time before he'd put together a strong performance for his new team. After 76ers All-Star Jaylen Brown was ruled out for Friday's NBA Cup matchup against the New York Knicks, Simons was ready to step up. The Sixers leaned on their depth against the Knicks, as Simons led the bench with 21 points, including five threes.

After the win, Simons discussed his impact as something he's been trying to put together since the beginning of the regular season.

“It was great. Long overdue, especially in this building,” Simons said. “I'm just excited I was able to get going. My teammates have been encouraging me to keep shooting, keep shooting. I knew it was going to fall. They've seen me make shots every day in practice. So, it was only a matter of time before it was going to come. I'm glad it was tonight against a great team, the defending champs, and a cup game, too.”

Anfernee Simons and the 76ers improved to 4-0, including two wins against the defending champion Knicks.

“I feel like that's what we came here to do,” Simons said. “But it took everybody. We've shown that we can battle through adversity. Up/down runs. No matter what, we always stand tall.”

a microwave scorer ♨️@PennMedicine pic.twitter.com/fZyd3xJcJD

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 31, 2026

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The 76ers will face the Charlotte Hornets on the second night of a back-to-back.