A video of Ben Simmons missing eight consecutive jump shots during a pregame warm-up recently went viral, amplifying criticism of his ongoing struggles in the NBA.
The footage, captured before the Brooklyn Nets‘ game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, showed Simmons attempting turnaround fadeaways from mid-range—a shot not typically associated with his repertoire—and missing every single one. The clip quickly spread across social media, drawing both concern and ridicule from fans and analysts.
This season was supposed to mark a redemption arc for Simmons, who has faced scrutiny over the past few years for injuries, confidence issues, and declining performance. However, the 28-year-old has struggled to find consistency, averaging just 5.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game while shooting an efficient 59.5% from the field. Despite his respectable shooting percentage, his reluctance to take shots outside the paint and his limited offensive aggression remain glaring issues.
In the Nets’ 124-122 loss to the Knicks, Simmons played 25 minutes and recorded a modest stat line of 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists while shooting 2-for-5 from the field. His lack of offensive impact, especially in a game where his team desperately needed more production, added fuel to the growing criticism. The Nets, now sitting at a disappointing 5-8 record, have been searching for stability, but Simmons’ inability to step up has hindered their progress.
Despite Simmons’ struggles, the game itself was a thriller. The Knicks led by as many as 21 points but nearly squandered their lead as the Nets stormed back in the second half. Ultimately, Jalen Brunson sealed the victory for New York with a clutch three-pointer with just 6.2 seconds remaining, capping off a 37-point performance. The Knicks improved to 2-0 in NBA Cup play, while the Nets were left grappling with yet another close loss.
Cam Thomas was the bright spot for Brooklyn, pouring in a season-high 43 points and keeping the Nets in contention throughout the game. However, even his heroics couldn’t compensate for the team’s defensive lapses and Simmons’ lackluster showing.
As the Nets prepare for their rematch against the Knicks, all eyes will be on Simmons. This game offers him an immediate opportunity for redemption, but if he continues to underperform, the criticism will only grow louder. For Brooklyn to turn their season around, they need Simmons to recapture even a fraction of the potential that once made him a rising star. Whether he can silence his critics remains to be seen.
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