Bizarre Ben Simmons play stuns commentators as Sixers slide to fifth loss in seven games
A turnover-laden performance from Ben Simmons has proved to be symptomatic of the Philadelphia 76ers struggles as the title contenders slumped to yet another loss.
Simmons tallied a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds to go along with eight assists, but had five of the team's 14 turnovers as the Sixers were trumped by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 127-119 overtime loss.
The loss made it five in the last seven outings for the Sixers who have fallen to a 7-5 record after starting the season with five consecutive victories.
Philadelphia is now the second-worst team in the NBA in terms of taking care of the ball, averaging a whopping 17.8 turnovers per contest.
Gallinari drills a late triple over the outstretched arms of Simmons AAP
The Sixers' sloppiness with the ball was epitomised by a bizarre play from Simmons in the second quarter where the Australian lobbed a lazy pass to Al Horford.
Horford had his opponent sealed under the basket, only for the ball to cannon off the backboard, miles away from his grasp, leading to an immediate fast break for the Thunder.
The play stunned the Thunder's TV play-by-play commentator Chris Fisher who exclaimed: "I don't know if that was a pass or a shot but either way it was way off the mark".
All-Star big man Joel Embiid again dominated, finishing with 31 points and 12 rebounds on an efficient 12-of-24 shooting night, but it was ultimately to no avail.
Veteran Thunder point guard Chris Paul turned back the clock with 27 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while sweet-shooting forward Danilo Gallinari added 28 points, including a huge three-point shot in overtime.
