Ben Simmons joins Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson in NBA playoffs’ history books

NEW YORK — Ben Simmons is in elite company.

The 76ers point guard has joined Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson as the only NBA players to record at least 200 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists through their first 13 playoff games.

But that milestone isn’t what impresses Brett Brown the most about his Simmons’ postseason performance.

“My first reaction is my most recent memory of how good a job defensively he’s [done],” the Sixers coach said. “You are rolling out some amazing players that history maybe [gives] a better context. But you just look at the size, the athleticism, and the skill package that he’s able to play with at 22 years old.”

Simmons’ defensive stats are indeed impressive.

He had a game-high three blocks to go with two steals as the primary defender on D’Angelo Russell in Thursday night’s 131-115 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Simmons also finished with a playoff career-high 31 points, with nine assists and four rebounds, in Game 3 of the first-round playoff series.

That gives him 221 points, 115 rebounds and 101 assists in 13 playoff appearances.

Robertson compiled 381 points, 167 rebounds and 122 assists in his first 13 playoff games. Johnson had 209 points, 129 rebounds and 125 assists.

Simmons is averaging 19.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.7 steals and 2.0 blocks through this season’s three postseason games. He has 22 steals and 14 blocks through 13 postseason games.

The Sixers, holding a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series, will face the Nets in Game 4 at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Barclays Center.