Only days after being snubbed for All-Star selection, Australian rookie Ben Simmons has outplayed chosen NBA rival Goran Dragic in an emphatic Philadelphia 76ers victory.

The Rookie of the Year candidate posted 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as the 76ers rallied from a 24-point deficit to upstage the Miami Heat 104-102 on Wednesday.

Ben Simmons. Credit:AP

Point guard Dragic, who was controversially chosen ahead of the rookie superstar for the All-Star game, scored 18 points - only two of those coming after half-time.

It was Simmons' sixth triple-double of the season, the most by a rookie since 1991-92, and was a timely reminder ahead of the All-Star break.

An off-balance shot by JJ Redick with 20 seconds left gave the 76ers a 102-99 lead. Miami had a chance to tie, but Wayne Ellington missed a pressured three-point attempt with 16 seconds left.

AAP