Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson talks to reporters during a news conference before an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Friday, April 8, 2016, in Philadelphia. Iverson has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)Michael Perez/Associated Press

Allen Iverson Called Ben Simmons to Encourage Him After He Struggled in Game 2

Tim DanielsMay 4, 2018

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons said Friday he received a call from Sixers legend Allen Iverson with "words of encouragement" after the rookie scored just one point in the team's 108-103 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.

Ian Begley of ESPN.com shared Simmons' comments about his conversation with A.I.

"He just said play the game I know how to play," Simmons said. "And that's just second nature to me. ... He gave me some words of encouragement."

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The 21-year-old Australia native missed all four of his shots from the field and recorded five turnovers as the 76ers fell behind 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Simmons tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists in Game 1, a 117-101 defeat, but he turned the ball over seven times and had four fouls in that contest.

The series shifts to the Wells Fargo Center in Philly for the next two games starting Saturday. The Sixers will need much improved play from their Rookie of the Year contender to make a comeback in the series.