MINNEAPOLIS — Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash couldn’t help but laugh. Ben Simmons He walked to the bench after fouling out just 13 minutes into the 112-102 preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
After the game, Nash said, “I said, ‘You better go straight to the bike and get some conditioning.'” “I don’t think he was ready for the joke.”
Simmons, who had two points, six assists and two rebounds, was skeptical of some calls, especially the last with 10:26 left in the third quarter. According to an ESPN Stats & Information study, this was the fastest record he ever fouled in a professional game. Several of Simmons’ teammates laughed on the benches as he walked in, begging his point to anyone who would listen.
“Just talking to the referee, you’re obviously adjusting. One night, you [Milwaukee] Playing a physical game with the Bucks and then the Wolves, not so physical. So you can’t get away with a lot of things, but overall as a team I think we played great. moved the ball. We are finding our identity. “
Simmons had a lengthy conversation with official Nick Butchart during the first half, including teammates at one point Kyrie Irvingthe pair were laughing by the end of the talk, and what they felt was a quick whistle.
“Obviously I wouldn’t laugh if it was the regular season, but it’s the preseason,” Simmons said.
“Honestly, they’re getting used to seeing things on the floor, too,” Simmons said. “But maybe it’s better to use fouls. I got six, so I’m trying to show my physique and prove myself to my teammates. I think that’s a big responsibility.” Bringing physicality and setting the tone for our team. “
Irving said he had seen teammates foul out faster when he was younger, but he had never seen anyone on an NBA team foul out this fast.
“Yeah, it was my first time. [here]said Irving. He knows he wasn’t as confined as he could be. But it’s a learning experience for him and our team. We still did, but clearly Ben wanted to be there. “
Despite a quick exit, Simmons made some positive progress last week, helping the Nets find an offensive rhythm heading into Wednesday night’s regular-season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. Nash said he felt Simmons was “really starting to turn a corner in the last few games.”
“I’ll sum it up in one simple word: patient,” Irving said of preseason. We had to focus on demonstrating to each other why we deserved it, starting first internally and then in a team environment.
“We’ve heard that they’re just willing to be uncomfortable. [Markieff Morris] Say it over and over. But I think it’s more than just being uncomfortable, it’s about being flexible, adapting on the fly, and learning things that will help us in the long run. “
