NBA star Ben Simmons returns from injury to lead Philadelphia 76ers to win against Cleveland Cavaliers

The Philadelphia 76ers have survived a late collapse to hold off the Cleveland Cavaliers 98-97 in Ben Simmons’ return to the NBA action following injury.

The 76ers, with Simmons starting after missing the last two games with a shoulder strain, appeared to have control of the contest on home court in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

They held a seven-point lead with two minutes to go in the third-quarter, but went cold, repeatedly committing turnovers as the Cavs went on a 17-5 run.

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With two minutes to go the Cavs were up 97-92.

The 76ers clawed their way back and with 21.9 seconds left All-Star centre Joel Embiid caught a pass from Tobias Harris for a game-winning dunk.

The Cavs’ Kevin Love had a three-point chance in the final seconds for the win but it bounced off the rim.

Simmons suffered a grade one AC joint sprain in his right shoulder last week against the Utah Jazz, and showed no ill-effects with his usual high-flying game a hallmark of his comeback.

The Australian played 34 minutes and had 15 points largely from dunks, athletic tips around the rim and a reverse alley-oop.

He did not attempt a three-pointer but also added five rebounds plus six assists.

Simmons had four of his team’s 14 turnovers while the team were woeful from distance missing 30 of 38 three-point attempts.

Embiid had 27 points, 16 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.

The 76ers rested veteran forward Al Horford.

Australian point guard Matthew Dellavedova came off the bench for the Cavs and contributed four points in 12 minutes of game time.

Love and Jordan Clarkson led the Cavs with 20-point hauls.

AAP