Sixers Show They're Ready to Take Over the World

LOS ANGELES - The Sixers made their mark among the NBA's top young talent on a global scale.

Joel Embiid (Cameroon), Ben Simmons (Australia) and Dario Saric (Croatia) all started for Team World Friday in the Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars game. They helped kick off All-Star weekend with a 155-124 victory over Team USA. 

Simmons recorded a double-double, which is becoming clockwork for the point guard (22 in the regular season, six triple-doubles). He posted 11 points off a perfect 5 for 5 from the field and 1 for 1 from the line. Simmons added 13 assists, six boards and four steals. 

This game was, in a way, a double statement for Simmons. It was an an opportunity to make a case for Rookie of the Year, with fellow contender Donovan Mitchell competing on Team USA. Mitchell notched seven points (3 for 10 from the field, 1 for 6 from three), seven assists, two rebounds, five steals and two blocks.

The Rising Stars contest also was a chance for Simmons to start an early bid for the 2019 All-Star team. He was popular among the fan votes but was not selected as one of four replacements required because of injuries. 

Simmons projects he will be playing in the All-Star Game "hopefully next year." When it came down to why he was not on this season's list, Simmons replied, "I think just votes." 

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Saric continued his offensive momentum with 18 points, including 4 for 7 shooting from three. He has scored in double digits in his last 35 games leading into the All-Star break. Saric also grabbed three rebounds and dished five assists. 

"I've always got the wish or dream in my life one day to be part of something big like this, even if it's the Rising Stars game," Saric said of participating in All-Star weekend. "I think it makes my family proud, my friends from my hometown, or all the people who were around me during my [growth as] a basketball player."

Embiid logged the least playing time of the Sixers' trio as he prepares to compete in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge Saturday and start in the All-Star Game Sunday. He missed the Sixers' last game on Wednesday because of right ankle soreness. Embiid scored five points and two rebounds in less than nine minutes. 

"On Sunday, I expect to go harder," Embiid said (see story). "I'm going for that MVP. Guys better make sure they find me because I'm looking to have a good game."

Not listed on the box score: Embiid and Simmons going 2 for 2 as roving reporters. Check out their journalistic skills when they got the mic Friday to interview each other (see video).

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