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Ben Simmons criticizes Doc Rivers amid reflections on 2021 playoff moment

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 9:30 AM

Last updated Oct 18, 2026

Ben Simmons criticizes Doc Rivers amid reflections on 2021 playoff moment

Summary

Ben Simmons discusses his controversial pass instead of a dunk during Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semi-finals in a new documentary. The Sacramento Kings guard accuses former coach Doc Rivers of throwing him under the bus following the Philadelphia 76ers' playoff exit that year. Simmons expresses strong feelings about Rivers' reaction and acknowledges the coach's need for self-preservation. Following the incident, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, while Rivers was let go by the 76ers and later coached the Milwaukee Bucks. Simmons hopes to rejuvenate his career with the Kings in the 2026-27 season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Simmons reflects on his 2021 playoff moment in a new ESPN documentary.
•He criticizes Rivers for his reaction to the playoff loss.
•The 76ers traded Simmons to the Nets for James Harden in 2022.
•Rivers didn't secure another head coaching job after leaving the Bucks in 2026.
•Simmons aims to improve with the Kings in the upcoming season.

Latest Updates

9:30 AMYahoo Sports — ‘What a piece of…’ – Ben Simmons sounds off on former coach Doc Rivers’ throwing him under the bus

What they're saying

"
Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons reflected on his infamous moment during Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semi-finals in a new documentary. Simmons’ career has not been the same since he chose to pass instead of go for a dunk over Trae Young in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, leading to a shock 76ers playoff exit and the end of Simmons time as an NBA star.
— Yahoo Sports

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