Ben Simmons: Did He Deliver This Time In The Playoffs?

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Post on Oct 28, 2024

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Ben Simmons: Did He Finally Deliver in the Playoffs?

The 2023 NBA Playoffs were a roller coaster for the Brooklyn Nets. After a season full of drama and trade rumors, the team finally found some rhythm with a new-look lineup. But one player stood under a microscope, as always: Ben Simmons.

The former All-Star point guard had been a ghost in the playoffs for years. He famously choked in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, refusing to shoot the ball in crucial moments. This time, however, the pressure was higher. The Nets needed Simmons to be a key contributor for them to make a deep playoff run.

So, did he deliver?

A Mixed Bag of Results

Simmons had a solid regular season, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. But the playoffs are a different beast, and the pressure was palpable. In the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons looked like a shell of his former self. He struggled to shoot, going just 11-for-33 from the field in the series. He seemed to be playing with a lack of confidence, which was a major concern for Nets fans.

However, things changed in the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons faced his former team, and the intensity was through the roof. He played with a ferocity that had been missing in previous seasons, contributing 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.

Did he regain his confidence?

Still a Mystery

While Simmons showed flashes of brilliance against the Sixers, he still struggled from the free throw line. He went 11-for-27 in the series, a dismal percentage that further cemented his reputation as a non-shooter. This inability to knock down free throws was a huge liability for the Nets.

Despite Simmons' improved play, the Nets ultimately fell to the Sixers in a hard-fought series. His performance was definitely an improvement, but it wasn't enough to lift the team to a championship.

The Future is Uncertain

Simmons is still a young player, and his potential remains high. He's a talented all-around player, but he needs to find consistency in his shooting and free throw form.

The Nets are facing a crucial offseason. They need to decide if they want to keep Simmons, and if so, what role he will play in the team's future.

Only time will tell if Simmons can finally live up to his potential and become the player that many expected him to be.

One thing is for sure, his journey has been a wild ride, and his future in Brooklyn remains uncertain.