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“Hack-a-Shaq on Ben Simmons fueled the Hawks comeback”: Magic Johnson compliments the Hawks’ Head Coach Nate McMillan on Game 5 come-back win

Raahib Singh
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“Ben Simmons needs to play at summer leagues”: Magic Johnson gives advice to the Sixers star to help raise his confidence amidst horrid shooting woes

NBA Legend Magic Johnson compliments the Hawks and how they used the free-throw line against Ben Simmons to fuel their comeback

The Philadelphia 76ers blew a golden opportunity to gain a lead in the playoff series. Once the Sixers were up 26, it was assumed that the Hawks would go back home and prepare for a do-or-die game. However, the Hawks had different plans. A second-half comeback and an excellent fourth quarter helped the Hawks secure a 109-106 win.

Joel Embiid was magnificent, scoring 37 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists. Embiid also recorded 2 steals and 4 blocks. Seth Curry scored 36 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. As for the Hawks, Trae Young scored a game-high 39 points and dished 7 assists.

Also Read: “Ben Simmons is nowhere close to being the second coming of LeBron James”: NBA fans absolutely torch the Sixers star’s abysmal play in their Game 5 loss to Trae Young and the Hawks

The Hawks scripted a fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring the Sixers 40-19. The bench provided key scoring for the Hawks, whereas the Sixers bench’s offense was nowhere to be found.

‘The Hack-a-Shaq on Ben Simmons was ingenious: Magic Johnson

Ben Simmons had a Game 5 which he would like to forget as soon as he can. He just attempted 4 shots, out of which he made two. However, he contributed to the Hawks’ comeback in a way that he would not have liked. Ben Simmons is a terrible free-throw shooter. He has been making only 32.8% of his free throws this post-season. The Hawks knew that and used that to their advantage.

Magic Johnson pointed out the same and complimented the Hawks’ HC Nate McMillan for the same. The Hawks kept fouling Simmons, forcing him to shoot free throws, which he missed, resulting in stops on the defensive end.

Also Read: “Hey Lou Williams, where was this in Games 5,6,7 vs Denver Nuggets?”: Skip Bayless grudgingly praises former Clippers star after he sparks crazy comeback win in Game 5 for Hawks vs Sixers

Hack-a-Shaq is a defensive technique that was named after Shaquille O’Neal. The HOF center, though he was an outstanding scorer, was not a shooter. It is a technique used when the player is known to be a bad free-throw shooter, so you foul them in hopes of getting empty possessions.

The same worked for the Hawks, as Ben Simmons was 4-14 from the Charity stripe. Doc Rivers ultimately had to sub him out to stop the bleeding.

The Sixers now make their way to Atlanta, while being on the back foot. They would like to force a Game 7. Game 6 takes place in Atlanta on Friday.

About the author

Raahib Singh

Raahib Singh

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Raahib Singh is an NBA Journalist and Content Strategist at The SportsRush. A Computer Science Engineer by qualification, Raahib's passion for sports drew him towards TSR. He started playing basketball at 14 and has been following the NBA since 2013. His entry into the basketball world perfectly coincided with Stephen Curry putting the league on notice. Having followed the league for a long time, he decided to use his knowledge to become a sportswriter with The SportsRush in 2020. Raahib loves to put up some shots in his spare time, watch Cricket, Formula 1, and/or read a nice thriller.

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