Ben Simmons made one of the weirdest plays in the 2021 NBA playoffs when he passed a wide-open layup. With less than 4 minutes on the clock in the 4th quarter, the Australian player decided to pass the ball instead of getting an easy basket.
Of course, this play got him a lot of criticism from both rival and Sixers’ fans. Even his teammates had something to say about it, including Joel Embiid. A video shows JoJo reacting to the play, walking to his side of the court, clearly frustrated with Simmons’ decision.
here is Joel Embiid’s reaction when Ben Simmons passed up the wide open dunk pic.twitter.com/lrfdYiYpkv
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 21, 2021
Ben Simmons: We gonna run it back next year don’t worry
Embiid:
— Markelle 🇭🇹 (@IcyLindorSznn) June 21, 2021
Obviously, he wasn’t happy with the final outcome of the game and the series, claiming that Simmons passing the ball to Matisse Thybulle was the turning point.
“I mean, I’ll be honest. I thought the turning point was when we—I don’t know how to say it—but I thought the turning point was just we had an open shot and we made one free throw and we missed the other and then they came down and scored,” Embiid explain, taking a shot at his teammate.
Ben had the opportunity to explain what went through his mind at that moment. He thought Danilo Gallinari was coming to block him, prompting Simmons to get rid of the ball and look for an alternative.
“I just assumed Gallo was coming up on my back and then Collins moved out,” the 24-year-old explained.
Ben Simmons on passing up the dunk: "I just assumed Gallo was coming up on my back and then Collins moved out."
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) June 21, 2021
Trae Young and his Atlanta Hawks surprised the Philadelphia 76ers, winning Game 7 of their second-round series at Wells Fargo Center, ending the Sixers’ season with a painful defeat.
It was a really close, hard-fought game that has everything, including this weird play that defined Philly’s fate. Plenty of fans want Simmons out of the team, especially after Game 7. As things stand right now, it doesn’t seem like he will stay in Philly for a long time.
The Sixers were considered favorites to come out of the East this season, but Trae Young and his Hawks had different plans.
