Ben Simmons was, once again, the main polarizing topic of conversation in the Sixers' first round series against the Wizards.
Ultimately, Simmons got the last laugh, as he recorded his third career playoff triple-double on Wednesday night (already second all-time in Sixers history) with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists as the Sixers closed out the series in five games with the win.
After the game, Simmons post this on Instagram.
Simmons' free-throw shooting was the big negative in the series, as he made just 10 of 28 free throws. Late in Game 4, Wizards coach Scott Brooks decided to start intentionally fouling Simmons, which helped Washington widen their lead down the stretch. In Game 5, Brooks began implementing this strategy again, but this time late in the first half. However, Simmons stepped up and made 5 of 8 free throws forcing Brooks to stop fouling.
Overall, when you zoom out, while Simmons' free-throw shooting was down a bit (career 59.7%), he ended up averaging a near triple-double for the series while guarding Bradley Beal, the game's second-leading regular season scorer, and even started at center in Game 5 with Joel Embiid injured.
And Brooks had a nice compliment for Simmons after the series.
The Sixers will begin their second round series on Sunday against Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks.
