Ben Simmons has proven glimpses of brilliance and a few acquainted struggles in opposition to his former NBA crew Philadelphia in his first outing for Brooklyn.
Key factors:
- Ben Simmons performed the primary half of Brooklyn’s preseason match in opposition to Philadelphia
- Simmons hasn’t performed for the Nets since leaving the 76ers in February
- His full NBA debut with the Nets may come in opposition to New Orleans within the first week of the season
The Nets misplaced their first of three preseason video games 127-108 to the 76ers, who rested stars Joel Embiid and James Harden on Tuesday (AEST).
Australian Simmons began alongside fellow All-Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, managing six factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal in 19 minutes.
Like Durant and Irving, he didn’t function after half-time in what was a short-lived have a look at the Nets’ new large three.
It marked Simmons’ first sport in 470 days since his messy 76ers exit that culminated in a high-profile commerce involving Harden in February.
He didn’t play in any respect final season attributable to psychological and bodily well being complaints, admitting lately the heckling he obtained for his reluctance to shoot the ball had weighed closely on him.
Simmons threw one easy behind-the-back help and opened his account with a robust dunk.
However he missed two mid-range efforts and, with the backdrop of some booing Philadelphia followers in Brooklyn, missed each free throws he tried.
“So good to be again; grateful and blessed to be again on the court docket,” Simmons stated on court docket after the sport.
“Total [the team’s performance was]Â strong, clearly a number of room for enchancment, particularly defensively, however it’s a complete new crew.”
He then brushed apart a query about dealing with his former crew on debut, saying his “debut’s coming, that is [in week one against] New Orleans”.
Simmons was the primary Nets participant subbed, earlier than returning to play level guard with coach Steve Nash’s second unit that features Boomers star Patty Mills.
Mills was energetic however quiet, a four-point play his sole offensive contribution in 10 minutes on court docket.
Durant had 13 factors for the Nets whereas Irving had 9 factors and 4 assists and Simmons’ former understudy Tyrese Maxey scored 20 for the 76ers.
The NBA season begins on October 18.
AAP
