Nets' Ben Simmons faces ridicule after passing up open lay up: 'Borderline unplayable'

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Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons faced renewed scrutiny on Monday night as the team lost to the New York Knicks for the first time since January 2020, 124-106.

Simmons, who is in the middle of a five-year, $177.2 million contract, came off the bench and played 13 minutes as he tries to navigate knee soreness and outside criticism about failing to live up to the money he’s earning. But the voices didn’t go away during the game against the Knicks.

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Feb 13, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris (12) and guard Ben Simmons (10) help forward Cameron Johnson (2) to his feet after a foul by New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

In the first quarter, Simmons received a bounce pass from Cam Johnson and had a lane to the basket. Instead of finishing at the hoop, he dumped the ball off to Nic Claxton at the last moment. Claxton tried to get through the Knicks defenders but missed the shot.

NBA fans were left befuddled.

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Simmons was 1-of-2 from the floor and finished with two points, three rebounds and two assists. He hasn’t scored in double figures since Jan. 22.

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn spoke about Simmons’ role.

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) drives to the basket as Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) and Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) watch during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

"It's going to be some work