[ad_1]
The Philadelphia 76ers are in the middle of a playoff they think could end up lifting the Larry O’Brien Cup in July. They definitely have the chops to do that led by a star duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons that is hard for any team to handle.
However, Simmons has a major weakness that appears to be exploited in these playoffs.
Simmons has been struggling off the goal line shooting only 13 to 40 during his first seven playoffs so far. The opposition began using a Hack-a-Ben strategy that knocked the Sixers out of the attack rhythm and could not score due to their struggles on the line.
A former NBA coach spoke with A. Sherrod Blakely of Bleacher Report and believes Simmons’ poor free throw will cost the Sixers a playoff streak.
The coach, who remained anonymous, told Blackley:
“It’s a tough place for Doc to be in,” said a former NBA coach. “Ben does a lot of things you love as a coach that your guys do. But his free throw would cost them a watershed streak. Hell, you can prove it cost them their first game against the Hawks. Who knows what he would have done if Doc hadn’t taken him out for a minute or two when he was Atlanta” He tries to make the mistake, and brings him back when they couldn’t intentionally assault him.”
Coach Doc Rivers even knocked Simmons off the floor in Game 2 when the Atlanta Hawks went for a hacking strategy and instantly lost both. Philadelphia managed to beat the Washington Wizards in five games despite struggling in the series 1-1 with Atlanta in the second round and the free-throw will need to be improved for the Sixers to continue their path.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
Sixers’ singles score after winning Game 2 at home to the Falcons View 11 items.
[ad_2]
Picture Credit!