This is, or at least close to, what the Nets drew when they traded for Ben Simmons 10 months ago. Friday’s numbers weren’t about Simmons’ 12 points and 11 rebounds, but the Nets were happy to take them.No, they were his 26 points, 13 rebounds and seven turns by Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo. It was covered by Simmons because of the overs.
Simmons will never be a dynamic offensive presence, but assuming the Nets make it to the playoffs, his performance Friday is what you’d expect from a former No. 1 overall pick far from dominant. Spend the night protecting the other team’s best player and frustrating him.
The 21-12 Nets spent Christmas at home watching the NBA and have an eight-game winning streak in their pockets.
Kevin Durant said Simmons had eight assists and three steals. “His aggression was good all night long. A couple of them [four] Foul, I didn’t think it was a foul, but it is what it is. If you continue to be physical, something suspicious may come out. … Given that Giannis is the most physical player in the league, some players are questionable.
“I think he stuck with it all game long. Life got tough, but we’re all about the steadfastness of showing him a little bit of the crowd and forcing him to kick him out and turn the ball over.” I think I did a good job, and I had seven turnovers, so Ben was the catalyst for that.”
For the first time in a long time, everything looks right for the Nets, who seem to have found a formula that allows Simmons, Durant, and Kyrie Irving to win together. involvement. If there was any skepticism about the quality of opponents the Nets have beaten in their current run, Friday’s win over the Bucks should put it to rest. It will be an ordeal.
Simmons is arguably the biggest question mark in the Nets’ big three, at least on the court. He sat all season last season and was forced to be traded from the 76ers after a dismal 2021 playoff performance. The Nets are still cautious. A back injury kept Simmons out when he was traded to Brooklyn in February, and he has only attempted one 3-pointer this season.
His fragility (Simmons also suffered a leg injury, so he missed one season after being drafted) and resistance to shooting are limitations that are unlikely to go away. Able to make some kind of difference, his passing ability can make up for some of the shortcomings of the opposing side.
The Bucks recalled that Simmons played a key role in the Nets’ 118-100 win. If it bodes well for what Simmons can add in the game that matters most, the Nets will suddenly appear one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.
Nets coach Jack Vaughan said after Friday’s win, “They’re going to make some 3-pointers, but we didn’t panic.” I’m not going to react to you, but can you consistently bring multiple corpses forward overnight? That’s part of it. Overall, I think the reaction from the players has been very good.”
One man in particular.
