Watch: Ben Simmons passes up easy layup vs. Celtics

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) looks to post up against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Nets' Ben Simmons passes up easy layup in scoreless effort vs. Celtics

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jan 13, 2023 12:11 AM ET

Ben Simmons had a bizarre game Thursday night in the Brooklyn Nets' 109-98 loss to the Boston Celtics, encapsulated perfectly by one play.

With 7:50 left in the fourth quarter, and the Nets trailing the Celtics by eight, Simmons passed up on what looked like an easy bucket. Instead, he turned the ball over, throwing it over center Nic Claxton, who was cutting to the basket.

Ben Simmons passes up on a layup attempt against Luke Kornet pic.twitter.com/PV3TO1TrfR
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) January 13, 2023

If Simmons didn't feel some deja vu, fans of his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, sure did. Simmons' play on Thursday night was oddly reminiscent of his now notorious passed-up dunk in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2021.

This sums up Ben Simmons unfortunately

Passed on layup/dunk. Thybulle goes on to make just 1 of his 2 free throws in crunch time.

In a Game 7 with a Conference Final on the line. 76ers won't take next step with Ben around, sadly.#NBA #NBAplayoffs

pic.twitter.com/6nhOxDIbE5
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) June 21, 2021

Simmons finished with an odd stat line against the Celtics. The 26-year-old shot 0-for-3 from the field but almost posted a double-double, adding nine rebounds and 13 assists in 26 minutes.

After the Nets' loss, Simmons spoke to reporters about his lack of offense.

"I think I'm giving the ball up way too many times when I know who I am," Simmons said. "I know I need to get to the rim and get buckets."

Scoring has been an issue for Simmons all season long. Entering Thursday night, Simmons averaged only 7.7 points a game, well below his career average of 15.1. Thankfully for the Nets, Simmons is hovering around his career averages in assists (6.0) and rebounds (6.7).

While the Nets may hope Simmons' offensive game comes around, his track record says otherwise.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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