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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Zeglinski

Ben Simmons returned to Philadelphia and James Harden wasn’t ready for the pressure

The NBA is a league filled with some of the most physically gifted human beings on the planet. But we’re not always focused on their competition. It’s a league with quality (and petty) gossip churn that rivals any of its on-court play.

In the first instance since his unceremonious trade from the 76ers, Ben Simmons made his return to Philadelphia–as a member of the Brooklyn Nets (+4.5 underdogs). Let’s say it was a city not willing to afford him any brotherly love.

Which, honestly, we should’ve seen this awkward night coming. An evening of unresolved bad blood, poor communication, and (perceived?) disrespect probably should’ve been a prerequisite for Ben Simmons Night in Philly.

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