Nets’ Ben Simmons explains infamous pass against Hawks in 2021 NBA playoffs

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It was one of the more shocking moments in NBA postseason history and the final straw in Ben Simmons’ time as a Philadelphia 76er. 

Simmons, now a member of the Brooklyn Nets, struggled all series against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals.

Ben Simmons (25) of the Philadelphia 76ers, defends Trae Young (11) of the Atlanta Hawks during Game 7 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs June 20, 2021, at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.   (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

In the seven-game series, Simmons, the starting point guard, scored just 19 points in the final three games while attempting just three shots total during the fourth quarter of the series. 

But it was the Game 7 decision to pass up a wide-open dunk that doomed Simmons. 

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With just over 3:30 left in the fourth quarter of Game 7 with Atlanta up 88-86, Simmons spun on the baseline against Danilo Gallinari, finding himself all alone under the basket. Instead of either laying the ball in or dunking it to tie the game, Simmons inexplicably passed to Matisse Thybulle, who was fouled and wound up making just one of two free throws. 

Philadelphia lost Game 7, and Sixers star Joel Embiid referenced the moment after the game as the series' turning point. 

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Simmons wound up sitting out the entire 2021-2022 NBA season, underwent back surgery during the offseason and is now preparing for Brooklyn’s 2022-2023 training camp. 

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