Ben Simmons' Playoff Struggles Continue: Is This The Norm?

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Post on Oct 28, 2024

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Ben Simmons' Playoff Struggles Continue: Is This The Norm?

Ben Simmons, the Philadelphia 76ers point guard, has been known for his dominance during the regular season. But when the playoffs roll around, he seems to shrink. This trend continued in the 2023 playoffs, prompting questions about whether this is just a bad streak, or if he's destined to be a regular-season beast who can't hack it when the pressure is on.

The 2023 playoffs were a microcosm of Simmons' playoff career. While he could still dish out assists and grab rebounds, his scoring was nonexistent. He shot a dismal 33.3% from the free throw line, and his unwillingness to shoot was a major hindrance to the 76ers' offense. Some might say it was just bad luck, or a cold streak. But others, including many experts, are pointing to a bigger problem: Simmons' mental state.

The Mental Block?

The narrative surrounding Simmons' struggles is one of a player who is mentally overwhelmed by the pressure of the playoffs. The spotlight, the expectations, and the fear of failure seem to paralyze him, particularly when it comes to taking shots. This isn't just a new thing; it's been a recurring issue throughout his playoff career.

In 2019, Simmons famously passed up an open dunk in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Toronto Raptors. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the narrative surrounding him: a player with immense talent who is unable to perform under pressure.

Is this a trend or just a few bad games?

It's hard to ignore the fact that Simmons has struggled in the playoffs repeatedly. It's not just a couple of bad games here and there, it's a pattern of inconsistency. This begs the question: is this simply a phase, or is it a fundamental flaw in his game?

The Future of Simmons

If Simmons wants to truly reach his potential, he needs to address this mental block. It's not enough to be a great defender and a great passer; he needs to be able to contribute on offense, especially in the playoffs.

He needs to find a way to overcome his fear of failure. He needs to develop the mental toughness necessary to perform at his best under pressure. This might require working with a sports psychologist, or simply putting in the extra work to build confidence.

Only time will tell whether Ben Simmons can conquer his playoff demons. Until then, he'll continue to be a player with immense potential, but one who has yet to prove he can deliver when it matters most.