It's rare for Ben Simmons to crack a smile while talking to reporters.
It's as rare as the young Australian basketball superstar taking a three-point shot.
However Philadelphia 76ers' teammate JJ Redick was able to crack Simmons in front of the media this weekend with his analysis of the Australian's controversial elbow to Toronto Raptors' guard Kyle Lowry's genital area.
The NBA fined Simmons $US20,000 for "making contact to the groin" of Lowry in the 76ers' 116-95 game three win over the Raptors at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center.
"It looked like he intentionally put his butt in your face," said Redick, standing alongside Simmons in front of a crowd of reporters.
Simmons shrugged, then broke into a huge smile.
"That was weird," added Redick of Lowry's actions.
Unmasked, Simmons could only laugh.
"Something like that," he said.
Simmons and Lowry have a history with both ejected last year after an on-court exchange which led to Simmons appearing to motion to Lowry to meet him in the tunnel off the court.
In game three they battled for a rebound, Simmons fell to the floor, Lowry backed over him and Simmons lifted an elbow toward Lowry's genitals.
It was one of a number of fiery encounters between Philadelphia and Toronto players during the game.
The 76ers lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 with the crucial game four in Philadelphia on Sunday (Monday AEST).
Simmons started his chat with reporters in his usually austere manner.
"We've got another game to win," said Simmons, replying to a question about the $US20,000 fine.
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