Doc Rivers on playing against Nets: Maybe with Ben Simmons on there, you want to beat them more

Gina Mizell: Doc Rivers on no Simmons-Embiid matchup tomorrow: “They’ll get their chance. It’ll happen at some point. But it still has to remain, at the end of the day, the 76ers want to beat the Nets, period. And maybe with (Simmons) on there, you …

Gina Mizell: Doc Rivers on no Simmons-Embiid matchup tomorrow: “They’ll get their chance. It’ll happen at some point. But it still has to remain, at the end of the day, the 76ers want to beat the Nets, period. And maybe with (Simmons) on there, you want to beat them more. If I was a player, that’s how I would feel. I unfortunately can’t play, and you don’t want to see that.”

Source: Twitter @ginamizell

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Doc Rivers on no Simmons-Embiid matchup tomorrow: “They’ll get their chance. It’ll happen at some point. But it still has to remain, at the end of the day, the 76ers want to beat the Nets, period. And maybe with (Simmons) on there, you want to beat them more… – 1:10 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Yet another injury for this #Sixers team to have to overcome. Doc Rivers and Tobias Harris chime in on how they overcome the loss of Joel Embiid. sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/21/doc… via @SixersWire1:06 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Sixers’ star Joel Embiid to miss 2 games with foot strain, starting with Ben Simmons & the Nets nj.com/nets/2022/11/s…12:49 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers isn’t sure if Joel Embiid will be out any longer than these 2 games. He’s just gonna be evaluated this week. #Sixers12:12 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
on ben simmons looking like ben simmons (just in time for tomorrow’s trip down to philly!): theringer.com/nba/2022/11/21…11:32 AM
Bryan Kalbrosky @BryanKalbrosky
Ben Simmons is a center in the modern NBA.
He is averaging 22.9 points and 10.9 assists per 100 possessions as a guard or forward since his rookie year (incl. playoffs).
Compare to 43.0 points and 13.6 assists per 100 while at center in that span.
bit.ly/3VjGf6N #NBA10:45 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons continued his breakout with another season-best performance in a win over Memphis. And Kevin Durant said what his new teammate is doing is no surprise.
“I expect this from Ben. So when he plays well, I’m not gonna get excited about it.” clutchpoints.com/nets-news-ben-…10:44 AM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
new @ringer: i wrote about how the nets are starting to look like the team their talent suggests they can be, and why most cause for optimism begins with ben simmons, who’s beginning to resemble the all-star he once was: theringer.com/nba/2022/11/21…10:05 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ben Simmons knows what’s coming in Philly 😅 #shorts youtu.be/GC6lmw8g0-E via @YouTube2:13 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving returns, but Ben Simmons breakout 22 powers Nets to win nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/21/kyr…1:11 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie returned, Ben Simmons continues to shine and Yuta Watanabe is on fire. Thoughts from Nets-Grizzlies with help from ⁦@Mike Vorkunov⁩: theathletic.com/3917354/2022/1…1:01 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Vaughn on Ben Simmons: “You saw force he played with, whether it was his pace & his attack of the rim and a relentless attack towards the rim, spraying the ball. The pace he created, it’ll make it hard for people to guard us.” #Nets nypost.com/2022/11/20/ben… via @nypostsports12:07 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
New ESPN story: After playing what easily was his best game as a Net — and his third straight good performance — Ben Simmons is ready to return to Philadelphia. “I got a lot of love for that city still, so I look forward to going down there and playing.” espn.com/nba/story/_/id…11:47 PM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Ben Simmons is in on the joke y’all pic.twitter.com/Vhh1YbURAY11:08 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Ben Simmons knows what’s coming in Philly 😅 pic.twitter.com/uoOXz1a2wg10:42 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
A big sign of Ben Simmons’ improved health is his flexibility on some of these finishes recently.
Looks much more comfortable contorting his body and making these athletic plays from tough angles. pic.twitter.com/KNWuXQUTsu10:37 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kyrie Irving was playing again. Ben Simmons was playing like an All-Star again.
The Brooklyn Nets, who rarely get to enjoy normalcy for too long, could savor a night Sunday when things actually looked like they drew them up.
apnews.com/article/memphi…10:35 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Ben Simmons ‘respects diehard fans’ in Philly, but is ‘looking forward to getting a win’ in return nj.com/nets/2022/11/b…10:35 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Ben Simmons on reception he is expecting in Philly “I know what’s coming. It’s a part of the game. Philly fans are incredible. They are die hard Philly.” pic.twitter.com/gq50tJRC5U10:33 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons and Yuta Watanabe have shown some really nice chemistry in transition dating back to the preseason.
They were rolling in the 4th. pic.twitter.com/6MrzFDmMH110:32 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons gave a smirk when asked if he thought enough time has passed for his Philly turmoil to blow over:
“In Philly? I know what’s coming, but it’s part of the game.”
He called Philadelphia’s fans “incredible”. pic.twitter.com/Yj3H8Omcik9:53 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons when asked about his emotions going back to Philly:
“I’m ready to play. What? Is something going on?”
He had the jokes tonight. pic.twitter.com/wo3p7JYrNO9:50 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Ben Simmons on his return to Philly Tuesday:
‘I’m excited to go play…I’m looking forward to heading down there and getting a win’ – 9:50 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ben Simmons: “Taking it day by day honestly; that’s what it is. You got to take it day by day. For me myself, personally, I feel like if I start reading everything that’s going on and get psyched out that’s it’s not good for me. So I just want to stay focused.” #Nets9:49 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ben Simmons laughed when he was asked if enough time had passed he won’t get hate in Philly: “In Philly? Come on, I know what’s coming. One thing about Philly fans are incredible. They’re diehard Philly.” #Nets #76ers9:46 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Someone get me a photo of the look Ben Simmons just gave @Brian Mahoney. That was hilarious. – 9:46 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
ben simmons on tuesday’s matchup in philadelphia: “i’m looking forward to going down there and getting a win” – 9:45 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Ben Simmons on Tuesday’s matchup with Sixers: “I’m ready to play. Is something going on?” – 9:43 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Ben Simmons, when asked about his feelings heading into Tuesday’s game in Philly.
“Ready to play,” he said with a smile.
“Something going on?” – 9:43 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons asked about Tuesday. “Ready to play. Something going on?” – 9:43 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Jacque Vaughn said what stood out to him about Ben Simmons tonight was the force he played with. – 9:34 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Final: Nets 127, Grizzlies 115
Durant: 26 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast
Simmons: 22 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast
Watanabe: 16 pts, 4/6 from three
Irving: 14 pts, 5/12 shooting
Complete offensive showing in the win. Best Ben Simmons game of the season. Yuta provides the lift again in the 4th. – 9:28 PM
Sean Deveney @SeanDeveney
Ben Simmons scored 47 points on 20 FGMs in the Nets’ first 13 games.
He scored 48 points on 22 FGMs in their last 3. – 9:26 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Ben Simmons scoring this season:
47 PTS — First 9 games
48 PTS — Last 3 games pic.twitter.com/0I4cpmQ1wu9:26 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: Nets 127, Grizzlies 115
Kyrie Irving returns, but Ben Simmons has his best game of the season, scoring 22 points on 11-for-13 shooting to go with eight rebounds and five assists, heading into a reunion with Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers down I-95 Tuesday night. – 9:26 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Nets beat the Grizzlies 127-115. KD kept the 25-point plus streak going. Kyrie Irving returned and Ben Simmons is playing his best basketball of the season. The Nets head down I-95 to Philly where the Sixers face their former point guard on Tuesday. Buy popcorn. – 9:25 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Ben Simmons tonight:
22 PTS
8 REB
5 AST
11-13 FG
Game-high +19. pic.twitter.com/tz04gFsZl79:22 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD and Kyrie are done for the night. Nets pull away down the stretch. KD has 26 points, seven assists and seven rebounds. Ben Simmons has 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists and Kyrie has 14 points and five rebounds in 26 minutes in his return. – 9:20 PM
Austin Kent @AustinKent
Here’s what I’m here for:
Ben Simmons, 11-for-13 from the field in game Brooklyn holds a commanding late lead in. +19. Hasn’t had to score all quarter. Has KD and Seth as ball handlers while he serves as a second-level playmaking relay man and all is right with the world. pic.twitter.com/VoytTnyQYa9:18 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons lays it in off a Joe Harris dish. He’s likely done for the night after a Memphis timeout.
22 points
8 rebounds
5 assists
11/13 shooting
Absolutely dominant showing tonight. Controlled the entire game. – 9:18 PM
Chris Broussard @Chris_Broussard
Ben Simmons is straight up ballin’! – 9:05 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Nets are finally creating some separation and have taken a 101-93 lead over the Grizzlies at the 10:59 mark in the fourth quarter. All 5 Nets starters have scored in double figures. Ben Simmons (!!!) and Kevin Durant each have 20 points. Kyrie Irving has 12 PTS in 21 MIN. – 8:56 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the third quarter: Nets lead the Grizzlies 96-93. Yuta Watanabe with a fast break layup right before the buzzer. Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons have 20 apiece. Kyrie and Royce each have a dozen. Dillion Brooks is cooking. Can Nets hold on? – 8:51 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kevin Durant with a 14-point third quarter to catch Ben Simmons for the team lead with 20 points. Nets up 96-93 on the Grizzlies. – 8:51 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
This is Ben Simmons’ first game of 20 or more points since Game 2 against the Wizards in the first round of the 2021 playoffs. That was in May that year with the condensed season. – 8:38 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Big hand for Ben Simmons as he goes to the bench with 20 points midway through the third quarter.
Nothing in the previous sentence was predictable a few days ago. – 8:37 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons checks out to a very loud ovation from the Barclays Center crowd. – 8:36 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons checks out to a big ovation with 6:42 left in the third quarter. – 8:36 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons has tallied a season-high 20 points (10-of-12 FG).
Simmons has reached double figures in each of the last three games, shooting 21-of-25 (84.0%) from the field. – 8:34 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ben Simmons with a season-high 20 points and five boards. #Nets are actively looking for him. – 8:34 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Ben Simmons is on a roll!! 20pts and counting and there is over 7 minutes left in the 3rd qtr – 8:34 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons is up to a season-high 18 points on 10/12 FG tonight against the Grizzlies. – 8:34 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Ben Simmons has 20 points. Looks like a new Ben. Or maybe looks like the old Ben. – 8:34 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons is pushing the ball up the floor every possession.
This was the vision for this offense. – 8:34 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons leads the Nets with 18 points on 9-for-11 shooting. – 8:33 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Another season high for Ben Simmons. Up to 16 points early in the third quarter. – 8:33 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
This is the play Ben Simmons had yet to make this season: Initiating and finishing through contact towards the rim.
This breakout is starting to look for real.pic.twitter.com/kAL6iLvWq98:30 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons just drove into Steven Adams’ chest and finished for the and-one.
That was his most encouraging play of the season IMO. – 8:24 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets trail the disembodied ghost of the #Grizzlies 62-57 at the half. Ben Simmons and Royce O’Neale have a dozen each, but they’ve been outscored 32-18 in the paint. – 8:12 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Nets trail the Grizzlies 62-57 at the half.
Durant: 6 pts, 3/8 shooting
Irving: 5 pts, 1/5 shooting
Uncharacteristic inefficient half from 7/11. Ironically, it was Ben Simmons who has been carrying the scoring load. – 8:09 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
After scoring in single figures in his first eight games this season, Ben Simmons is now in double figures in three straight – including 12 in the first half tonight. He’s scored almost half of his points for the season in his past three games. – 8:06 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Timeout, Memphis: Ben Simmons rolling layup gives Nets a 26-25 lead over the Grizzlies with 2:26 in Q1. All 5 Nets starters have scored. Kyrie Irving has only taken 2 shots and has 3 points in his first 6 minutes. – 8:00 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Ben Simmons into double figures in scoring for the third straight game. Last two he has looked as comfortable as he has all season. – 8:00 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons is up to 12 points with 3:30 left in the 1st half. – 7:59 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons has 12 points to tie a game-high. On 6-for-7 shooting. Has a pair of rebounds and assists to go with it. – 7:59 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons is starting to get some of that flexibility back.
You can see it in how he’s contorting his body on some of these finishes lately – 7:59 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Ben Simmons into double figures now in the second quarter. Kevin Durant has only four points. – 7:58 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons just crossed over and finished what I would call his best take of the season off the dribble.
He’s been great so far. – 7:42 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
ok ben simmons looks very good now – 7:42 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons looks so much more comfortable driving.
Starting to find his touch around the rim. – 7:33 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
That Ben Simmons-Steven Adams matchup is not going to go well for Simmons tonight. – 7:23 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Steven Adams has eight points on 4-for-5 shooting in six minutes with Ben Simmons guarding him inside.
Could easily be a preview of what’s to come Tuesday against Joel Embiid, assuming Embiid’s leg issues from last night don’t prevent him from playing against the Nets. – 7:23 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from Barclays. Nets-Grizzlies tips shortly. Kyrie Irving is back. Ben Simmons is back…in the starting lineup. Memphis is very short-handed, but has won without Ja before. But they’re also w/out JJJ and Bane. Can Simmons keep his recent play going? Updates coming. – 7:05 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons will start in place of Nic Claxton (OUT — personal reasons). – 5:18 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Ben Simmons will start with Nic Claxton out tonight. – 5:18 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
ben simmons and kyrie irving will start tonight against the grizzlies – 5:17 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Jacque Vaughn says Ben Simmons will start at center tonight, as well. Nic Claxton (personal) is out tonight. – 5:17 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons will start in place of Nic Claxton tonight. – 5:17 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ben Simmons starts. #Nets5:17 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Jacque Vaughn said Ben Simmons will start, too. – 5:17 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers says Matisse Thybulle is really hampered by the ankle injury and that’s why he hasn’t played a lot lately #Sixers10:26 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Doc Rivers said P.J. Tucker was getting checked out for an injury at the beginning of the third quarter. Did not know what it was, though. – 10:21 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Doc Rivers says the Paul Reed layup was certainly one of the funnier plays in the game — “I didn’t know if he was going to make it in time.”
Says the team challenged Reed to be more energetic defensively at halftime, and he responded. – 10:19 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey will miss 3-4 weeks with this foot fracture. Doc Rivers addressed and how the team will grow from it moving forward. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/19/doc… via @SixersWire6:29 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Doc Rivers when asked if he had any thoughts on #laddergate: “I was having a glass of wine. That was my thought. And the wine was good, so I was happy.
Red or white? “Red, for sure. Come on.”
(This Pinot Noir drinker agrees) – 6:05 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Doc Rivers on last night’s incident: “I don’t think much of it. I was having a glass of wine. It was good wine.” – 5:59 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers: Unsure if Tobias Harris (left hip soreness) will play tonight. Matisse Thybulle’s ankle is still bothering him, but he’s not limited re: availability. – 5:58 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Doc Rivers says the Sixers have not considered using the open roster spot yet in light of Maxey’s injury. – 5:51 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Doc Rivers said he spoke to Tyrese Maxey at halftime: “He says what he always says, ‘Coach, I’m good.’ But I don’t know if he’ll be good right away, would be my guess.” Doc reiterated that Maxey will get an MRI on Saturday. – 11:14 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Doc Rivers says that Tyrese Maxey is currently in a boot and waiting on an MRI tomorrow on his left foot. Rivers says that Maxey says “he’s fine”, but Rivers cautions that he’s not sure he’ll be fine right away. – 10:24 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Doc Rivers said Tyrese Maxey is in a boot, and the team is waiting for tomorrow’s MRI to know more about his status. Anticipates it will be a bit before Maxey is back on the court again, but won’t know for sure until tomorrow. – 10:23 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers doesn’t have much of an update on Tyrese Maxey. Just that he will have an MRI tomorrow and he’s in a boot. #Sixers10:23 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers says Tyrese Maxey is currently in a boot #Sixers10:23 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Tyrese Maxey is in a boot, according to Doc Rivers. – 10:23 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Doc Rivers says he doesn’t have any update on Maxey’s foot. Confirms MRI tomorrow. – 10:22 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
A flagrant foul 1 has been assessed on Joel Embiid, much to the chagrin of Doc RIvers. – 9:17 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Doc Rivers called the Sixers’ guard play “limited” BEFORE the Maxey injury. Now it’s…yeesh. – 9:05 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers: Tobias Harris (left hip soreness) is still questionable. He didn’t take part in much of shootaround. – 5:48 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Doc Rivers says Tobias Harris was not able to participate in much of shootaround today. Harris is listed questionable with a sore left hip. – 5:47 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Doc Rivers asked what Tobias Harris did at shootaround today: “Not much”
Status still up in the air for the game tonight – 5:47 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Doc Rivers opened up about coaching his son (Austin Rivers) and his son-in-law (Seth Curry):
“If you want to coach your son in the NBA, he’s gotta be the best player by a long shot or the worst player by a long shot. Being in the middle makes it hard.” basketballnews.com/stories/doc-ri…5:10 PM

More on this storyline

“I’m ready to play,” he said, before adding, “Something going on?” as the room broke into laughter. Then, asked about whether enough time has passed for the bad feelings from his departure to simmer down in the City of Brotherly Love, Simmons had an incredulous look on his face before the question was even finished. “In Philly?” Simmons said, drawing more laughs. “I know what’s coming. That’s part of the game. Philly fans, one thing about Philly fans is they are incredible. They are die-hard Philly and they are everything Philly, whatever it is. I respect that about the city. It’s a sports town. I was talking to I think Yuta [Watanabe] before the game about what it’s like to play in Philly, and it’s an incredible opportunity to put on whatever jersey it is. “That’s Philly, and it’s a unique experience.” -via ESPN / November 21, 2022
“I was 18 years old coming into Philly, so it’s really the only place I’ve lived as an adult. So I have a lot of love for that city,” he said. “People don’t know that, but a lot of my best friends are from Philadelphia. My brother still lives in Philadelphia. So regardless of the situation, whatever happened, happened. But I got a lot of love for that city still, so I look forward to going down there and playing.” -via ESPN / November 21, 2022
“I’m just staying focused,” Simmons said. “I’m taking it day by day. That’s honestly what it is. I’ve got to take it day by day. “Me personally, if I start reading everything that’s going on and getting psyched out, that’s not good for me. So for me, I just want to stay focused, take it day by day, and I keep saying it but that’s what it is for me. Just keep building on good days and staying locked in.” -via ESPN / November 21, 2022