Philadelphia Sixers rookie Ben Simmons set an NBA record last night after the Washington Wizards went all "Hack-A-Shaq" on him, resulting in Simmons attempting 24 free throws... in one quarter.
With the Sixers leading 93-78 with 7:23 remaining in the fourth quarter, Simmons checked back into the game and the Wizards immediately started fouling him, no matter where he was on the court, in an effort to chip away at the 15-point deficit.
The Hack-A-Simmons technique worked too, as Simmons connected on just 12 of his 24 free throws in the quarter, allowing the Wizards to cut the lead to just three on several occasions. However, the Sixers were able to hold on and win by the final of 118-113.
Simmons finished with a game-high 31 points, as well as a game-high 18 rebounds. In total, he shot 29 free throws (he made 15) which set a rookie record for the most attempted in a single game.
Afterward, he told reporters, per ESPN,
"I have no fear of taking free throws," Simmons said. "It's not going to happen for much longer."
The 21-year old rookie, who entered the game shooting just 56.6% from the foul line, has been seen warming up with both his left and right hand prior to games.
Simmons won't have much time to work on his free throw shooting before the Sixers' next game as they return to the court tonight in Boston to take on the Eastern Conference leading Celtics.
A quarter of the way through the season, Simmons is averaging 18.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game which puts him ahead of the class in the running for the Rookie of the Year award.
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