Simmons starred in his NBA Playoffs debut for Philadelphia, dropping a double-double as he led the 76ers to a commanding 130-103 victory.

The Australian sensation also provided 14 assists, the second-most by a rookie in his maiden playoff match since legendary Laker — Magic Johnson (16).

Simmons may be in sizzling form, but the Melbourne-born guard is far from content.

This means danger for the Heat, who will be desperate to avoid a 0-2 deficit against the 76ers before the series moves to Miami.

ANSTEY: SIMMONS, SIXERS CAN WRITE NBA FAIRYTALE

NATIONAL PRIDE: RECORD AUSSIES IN NBA PLAYOFFS

ULTIMATE GUIDE: PLAYOFFS AND DATES, TIMES, ODDS

It comes as Philadelphia co-managing partner Josh Harris revealed the franchise’s plan to retain coach Brett Brown on a long-term deal.

Brown’s contract expires at the end of next season, but Harris said the 76ers want to reward him for guiding the team to the postseason for the first time in seven years.

It’s a remarkable effort from the former Sydney Kings mentor, who recorded just 75 wins in his first four seasons at the Sixers.

But largely on the back of Simmons and star centre Joel Embiid, Brown has led Philadelphia to third place in the Eastern Conference with a 52-30 record.

This impressive season also included an NBA-best 16 straight end-of-the-season wins.

“I’m invested in keeping Brett here for a long time,” Harris told reporters.

“Certainly he is on the other side of that. “He’s knocking the cover off the ball.

“I think he should be coach of the year.

“I think that Brett was clearly an amazing coach before this year in terms of his player development skills, and his vision, and the culture that he built.

“But this year was the first year that he was really tested in terms of his in-game tactics and how he ran the team and wins.

“We were judging him by wins. Go win some games. He delivered in spades and I hope he’s here for a long time.”

In other results, Australians Joe Ingles and Dante Exum couldn’t help Utah defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1.

Ingles finished with 13 points and Exum 10 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Thunder charged to a convincing 116-108 win.

Paul George was brilliant for Oklahoma City, finishing with a game-high 36 points.

The Jazz will look to hit back when they face the Thunder in Game 2 in Oklahoma on Wednesday at 10.00am (AEST).

Fellow Australian Patty Mills will line up for San Antonio against defending champions Golden State on Tuesday.

The Spurs will be fired up to avenge Saturday’s 113-92 loss to the Warriors, which has put them 1-0 down in the series.