Simmons sends 76ers fans into meltdown

Ben Simmons has been ice cold when it comes to his shooting game, but this hilarious moment shows he’s finally turned a corner.

Has Simmons finally put an end to his free-throw shooting woes?

Ben Simmons was mercilessly mocked for his shooting ability from the free-throw line - or rather, lack of - as he went a measly 5-11 at the charity stripe in Game 4 of the 76ers playoff series against the Washington Wizards.

Criticism came in from all corners on social media, with American sportscaster Skip Bayless tweeting: “Painful to watch Ben Simmons missing free throws after being intentionally fouled. Doc can’t take him out — he’s a star, a defensive force. Doc would risk losing him psychologically. But Ben eventually must learn how to make 70% of his FTs under pressure. Or get subbed.”

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After the abysmal free throw performance, Sixers coach Doc Rivers stood by Simmons post-match, giving short shrift to a question about whether he should have taken his Aussie star off the court down the home straight.

“You want me to take Ben Simmons off the floor? He’s pretty good, so I’ll pass on that suggestion,” Rivers said.

Simmons was intent on warming up his free throws before Game 5.

“You guys keep this Ben Simmons narrative going, which is freaking insane. Ben is not a 40-point guy. I just don’t understand why this is not sinking in this city.

“If I’m Ben, I’d get tired of it. Celebrate him and all the things he does well.

“You guys keep the Ben Simmons narrative going, we’re going to keep playing.”

The Australian knew that a shooting performance similar to the constantly misfiring Stormtroopers in Star Wars would give his critics even more ammunition to use as a stick to beat him with.

So, what does the 24-year-old do to alleviate those fears?

He rocked up first to the Wells Fargo Centre first and got straight to practising his free throws.

Ben Simmons getting in some work from the charity stripe ahead of tonight's Game 5 🧐

Sixers Pregame Live begins at 6:15 p.m. pic.twitter.com/DsVykPkpGv

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) June 2, 2021

It appeared that Simmons’ warm-up paid dividends.

Unsurprisingly, he was sent to the line multiple times during Game 5, and fans would be forgiven for assuming the worst would happen.

Instead, when most fans inside the arena were expecting yet another horror show at the line, the point guard sends 76ers fans into absolute raptures by shooting not one, but both free throws on one occasion.

Sixers fans going crazy for Ben Simmons making both free throws pic.twitter.com/itefCOcPyt

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) June 3, 2021

Is this the coming-of-age moment that basketball fans have been wanting to see from Simmons for quite some time?

It seems unlikely. But maybe, just maybe, the 24-year-old Melbourne native is finally on his way to fixing his longstanding shooting mishaps.

He finished shooting five from eight at the line, 63 per cent, as the Sixers stormed to another victory that has clinched their series win over Washington.

Simmons had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists as the Sixers claimed the series 4-1 with the 129-112 result.

- with James Matthey