Ben Simmons: ‘I thought it was going to be louder’

“I feel like I’m in a good place,” Simmons said after the game in which the Sixers beat him and the Nets. “I’m happy, I’m doing what I love. So to be out there and have that experience was amazing. Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted. It’s …

“I feel like I’m in a good place,” Simmons said after the game in which the Sixers beat him and the Nets. “I’m happy, I’m doing what I love. So to be out there and have that experience was amazing. Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted. It’s frustrating to lose a game like that, but I think it’s a good step forward.” Fans chanted “F— Ben Simmons!” throughout the night and booed him whenever he brought the ball up the floor. “I thought it was going to be louder”, he said about the fans’ reactions and his teammates agreed that he endured.

Source: EuroHoops.net

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons explains why he hasn’t spoken to Joel Embiid since leaving #Sixers: ‘You’re not cool with everybody’ inquirer.com/sixers/ben-sim… via @phillyinquirer #NBA5:51 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons explains why he hasn’t spoken to Joel Embiid since leaving Sixers: ‘You’re not cool with everybody’ inquirer.com/sixers/ben-sim… via @phillyinquirer – 1:43 AM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
For @FOXSports, from Philadelphia, Ben Simmons looks good. The Nets do not:
foxsports.com/stories/nba/be…1:25 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Radio Roulette is LIVE @UnderdogFantasy
– Pat Bev/Deandre Ayton altercation
– Anthony Davis Wilt performance in loss
– BEAM TEAM outlasts Ja
– Ben Simmons return to Philly
– Debut of new show with Rasheed Wallace
Talking about it all and more!
📺 https://t.co/4Fn9dXqtB5 pic.twitter.com/3pnQ2WSanm12:57 AM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Georges Niang got into a little dust up with Ben Simmons in tonight’s win. He reacted to being called for a flagrant-1 in what looked like a nothing type of play. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/22/geo… via @SixersWire11:14 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Tobias Harris was asked how much of his desire to win tonight was based on matching up against Ben Simmons.
“Zero percent.”
His full answer below. pic.twitter.com/yd9uXumf3R10:50 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons said he expected Sixers fans to be louder. For what it’s worth, @Keith Pompey agreed with him. – 10:47 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons on the crowd reaction: “I thought it was gonna be louder.” – 10:47 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Ben Simmons on the environment tonight:
“I thought it was going to be louder.” – 10:47 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant asked about him, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons all being disliked, he calls it “misplaced love.” – 10:41 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Shorthanded Sixers do the unthinkable to Ben Simmons and the Nets — win, 115-106 inquirer.com/sixers/tobias-… via @phillyinquirer – 10:36 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Ben Simmons last 3 games:
15 PTS | 13 REB | 7 AST
22 PTS | 8 REB | 5 AST
11 PTS | 7 REB | 11 AST
80.8 FG% over that stretch. pic.twitter.com/IHaCXlBKrO9:56 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons celebrated a pair of made free throws with homages to Michael Jordan in the first quarter. It was one of the few times Brooklyn got to celebrate all night phillyvoice.com/sixers-vs-nets…9:53 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons chatted with Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey among others before leaving the court. Seth Curry did as well. – 9:51 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers beat Brooklyn, 115-106. They are 9-8. On a night that was built as Ben Simmons’ return, they outworked the Nets without their three best players.
Tobias Harris had 24 points. De’Anthony Melton had 22. Shake Milton and Georges Niang each had 16. Paul Reed was a monster. – 9:50 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
The Nets WITH KD, Kyrie and Ben Simmons lose to the Sixers WITHOUT Harden, Embiid and Maxey. Brooklyn is now 8-10, currently 10th in the East. #Rockets have the right to swap picks with the Nets this year. – 9:50 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: Sixers 115, Nets 106.
Ben Simmons doesn’t register a point, rebound or assist in the fourth, and finishes with 11-7-11 in 32 minutes in his return to Philly.
Tobias Harris had 24 to lead the Sixers, who got 35 combined from Paul Reed and Georges Niang. Impressive win. – 9:50 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
FINAL: Sixers 115, Nets 106. Gutsy win for the Sixers, who were without Embiid, Harden and Maxey, over the full-strength Nets in Ben Simmons’ return to playing in Philly. Harris with 24-6-3. Melton with 22-4-4. Paul Reed with a double-double off the bench (19 and 10). – 9:50 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Sixers beat the Nets 115-106. Ben Simmons handled his return well, Kevin Durant’s scoring streak came to an end and the Sixers fans came through with the chants. Bad loss for the Nets. They’re in Toronto tomorrow. – 9:49 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ironically, Ben Simmons is the only Net who responded to the hype of tonight.
Just an uninspired effort across the board outside of him that results in a pitiful loss. – 9:46 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Ben Simmons tonight:
11 PTS
7 REB
11 AST
3 STL
3 BLK
4-7 FG
0-1 against Philly. pic.twitter.com/mHqwEQWyFq9:45 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
He’s played great. Don’t get me wrong. But Paul Reed isos against Ben Simmons might not be the way to close this one out. – 9:38 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
After 3: Sixers 85, Nets 82.
Ben Simmons is approaching a triple double (11-7-11) in 27 minutes in his return to Philly. Tobias Harris has 14 points after twisting his ankle in the third. Georges Niang and Paul Reed have been terrific off the bench (29 combined). – 9:17 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Double-double game for Ben Simmons – 9:12 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons is on triple double watch: He’s up to 11 points, 10 assists and 5 rebounds – 9:11 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons definitely on triple double watch tonight.
9 points
5 rebounds
8 assists
4:29 left in the 3rd. – 9:08 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Nets have taken the lead after a flurry of transition buckets.
A lot of which were thanks to Ben Simmons’ defensive presence. – 8:57 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons is doing everything you’d want him to in this game.
Defending and springing the break for easy looks left and right. – 8:55 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Sixers fans getting Chick-fil-a courtesy of Ben Simmons missing 2 straight FTs – 8:53 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons just won free Chick-Fil-A for the whole arena after missing a pair of free throws. – 8:52 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Ben Simmons was nice enough to give Sixers fans free nuggs in his return.
(Because he missed two free throws less than two minutes into the second half) – 8:52 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Ben Simmons missed both free throws. There’s the 1st “brickin for chicken” trigger on the night. – 8:52 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Ben Simmons provides the fans with free Chick Fil A – 8:52 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
76ers fans heartily boo Ben Simmons, who shrugs it off and plays well nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/22/76e…8:48 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Tobias Harris is injured. Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons went to check on him. – 8:47 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Two gems from halftime. A MarShon Brooks (!) jersey, and Ben Simmons signs for a Sixers fan before he retakes the court. pic.twitter.com/0goMWHzpFV8:46 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons yelling something to the Sixers bench after this hustle play.
He’s playing with an attitude.
pic.twitter.com/O4U0uw5C668:39 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons is playing like a man possessed. He’s not backing down from this crowd.
If rest of the Nets played with this effort this game would not be close. pic.twitter.com/4Q9lyb1wHq8:37 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Great defensive hustle by Ben Simmons to close the half, knocking the ball away to KD for a dunk. He has 9 points, 5 assists, 3 boards & two steals in his return to Philly. But the #Nets have been outrebounded 26-14, allowed 10-of-19 from 3 & trail the #76ers by six at the break. – 8:35 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Nets trail 76ers 63-57 at the half. Takeaways so far:
🏀 Ben Simmons playing inspired, efficient basketball
🏀 Nets have gotten absolutely bullied on the glass
🏀 Point of attack defense has been bad
🏀 Kyrie looks out of it
PHI shot 10/19 from 3. Nets need to tighten it up. – 8:35 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Ben Simmons plays a rather decent heel – 8:31 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Wow, what a defensive effort from Ben Simmons at the end of the half.
Knocked the ball away then sprinted and dove to tip the loose ball up the floor for a KD dunk. Very impressive first-half performance. – 8:31 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Sixers lead the Nets 63-57 after Niang beats the buzzer. This game has been fun. Ben Simmons has played well and is talking some smack. The rebounding has been nonexistent. Would be a bad loss if Nets can’t beat a shorthanded Philly. Can they make the adjustments? – 8:31 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Halftime: Sixers 63, Nets 57.
With three starters out, Philadelphia leads at halftime in the Ben Simmons return game, and the crowd is into it.
Second half should be fun. – 8:30 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
If I shot like Ben Simmons I wouldn’t want to get fouled either. Dude throws a corkscrew at the rim. Ewww. – 8:30 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons just talked some shit to the Sixers bench. – 8:29 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
George Niang just picked up a flagrant for shoving Ben Simmons in the chest off-ball.
Crowd did not like the call. – 8:28 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons goes 1-for-2 from the line off the flagrant. He’s 3-for-4 from the stripe so far. – 8:28 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
A lot of “_ _ _ _ Ben Simmons” chants here so far.
I’ll let you fill in the blank. – 8:27 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Known mortal enemies Ben Simmons and Georges Niang going at it – 8:26 PM
Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
Ben Simmons hit 2 free throws and then shrugged at the Philly crowd. 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/eewvXKB05n8:25 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#76ers fans unleash all their vitriol on #Nets‘ Ben Simmons nypost.com/2022/11/22/76e… via @nypostsports teammate @MarkWSanchez8:19 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
If you wanted a visualization of the Ben Simmons image with Brooklyn, this sequence is it.
This or Ben finding someone for a transition three.pic.twitter.com/mDrn46pUDX8:18 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Last week when the Nets played in Portland I wrote about Ben Simmons looking more like himself. Good to see that continuing
rosegardenreport.com/p/trail-blazer…8:14 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
With Ben Simmons at the five and three bad perimeter defenders on the floor, turns out the Nets are having a hard time getting stops. Paul Reed just walking right down main street – 8:08 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Helluva sequence for Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/ZvrUwejKs88:06 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons just had an emphatic block and slammed a dunk home off a cut on the other end.
He’s playing very well so far. – 8:03 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons with a block on one end and a dunk on the other. He’s up to six points and four assists. – 8:03 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The crowd chanted “F@$% Ben Simmons!” towards the end of the first quarter. Sixers lead 33-26 after one. Shake Milton leads the Sixers with seven points on 3-5 shooting. Kevin Durant and Nic Claxton have eight each for the Nets. Simmons with four and four assists. – 7:59 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Sixers lead the Nets 33-26. A “**** Ben Simmons” chant started at the end of the quarter. To quote Vince Vaughn, “earmuffs.” Offensive rebounding is the game so far. Sixers have 11 second-chance points. Nets have none. Rebounding edge is 17-7 Philly. – 7:58 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
First “F — Ben Simmons!” chant comes late in the first, but it’s short-lived because the quarter is over.
Sixers lead 33-26. Really nice turnaround after the poor start. Mitlton has 7-3-2. Sixers are 5-of-8 from deep. Simmons has 4 points and 4 assists. – 7:58 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Is there a place that if you walked into it tonight you’d get booed like Philly is booing Ben Simmons whenever he touches the ball? – 7:58 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Ben Simmons looks great.
The Nets’ defense on the other hand… – 7:53 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Ben Simmons’ first shot attempt in Philly being the same exact spot it happened was perfect. – 7:48 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Timeout, Jacque Vaughn. Montrezl Harrell has 6 points and 4 rebounds in the first 6+ minutes of the first quarter. Nets struggling to keep him off the glass and away from the rim. Nic Claxton leads Nets with 8 points. Ben Simmons has 4PTS 4AST – 7:46 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons throws up the shrug to the Philly crowd after knocking down his first two free throws. pic.twitter.com/i44ShOUkfY7:46 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons nails back to back free throws despite massive boos from Sixers fans, then shrugs them off. pic.twitter.com/jzPi4lqaBj7:45 PM

Candace Buckner @CandaceDBuckner
Did Ben Simmons do the MJ Shrug for making two free throws??? – 7:43 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Ben Simmons makes his first 2 FTs. Kyrie shushes the crowd after the first. pic.twitter.com/9Q0tcT4H5J7:42 PM

Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
did ben simmons do the mj shrug after making two free throws? i want to live in a world where the answer is yes – 7:42 PM
Meghan Triplett @Meghan_Triplett
Ben Simmons knocks down both free throws and gives the shrug! Gotta love it! – 7:42 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons icy at the line knocking down 2/2 with the roar of boos. pic.twitter.com/uOrkmxWsDq7:41 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Ben Simmons gets fouled and sinks a pair of free throws without touching the rim amid plenty of boos from the crowd.
All Nets so far, who lead 12-7. Simmons getting booed heavily anytime he touches the ball — with the crowd just cheering him being called for a travel inside. – 7:41 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Ben Simmons makes a pair of free throws and Sixers fans have officially passed away – 7:41 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
With boos raining down, Ben Simmons knocks down both free throws here. pic.twitter.com/4FsHF9Mlw27:41 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The fans were loving Ben Simmons at the line, but he silenced them by making both free throws #Sixers pic.twitter.com/rU3Jp7QkzF7:41 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Ben Simmons just made two free throws and did a Jordan shrug, lol. – 7:40 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Another chorus of boos when Ben Simmons gets his first touch. pic.twitter.com/OkDasbuxAR7:37 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nic Claxton has carried the Nets scoring early. Has eight of the first 10. Ben Simmons has done the playmaking. Lead is 10-2 with 9:22 left in the first. Timeout Doc. – 7:37 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Nets jump out to an early 10-2 lead over the Sixers at the 9:22 mark in Q1. Sixers fans are booing Ben Simmons every time he touches the ball, but Philly — without Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey — appears outmatched. – 7:36 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Nets already out to a 10-2 lead. Ben Simmons is getting heavy boos every time he touches the ball and he’s also getting into the paint with ease since Joel Embiid isn’t out there. Timeout Doc Rivers. #Sixers7:36 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Three fantastic passes from Ben Simmons to start the game. The confidence Simmons has shown the last three games is continuing early in this one. – 7:35 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons getting booed every time he touches the ball. Has all three Nets assists so far. – 7:34 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
As expected, Ben Simmons is being booed whenever he touches the ball. – 7:34 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons gets some of the loudest boos I’ve ever heard during pregame intros here in Philly.
Entire Nets team got booed. pic.twitter.com/HsurIr4khO7:30 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Sixers fans mercilessly boo Ben Simmons during pregame introductions pic.twitter.com/geyIdvtev77:29 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Ben Simmons and the Nets introduced. pic.twitter.com/dRWvw4lNWB7:29 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Ben Simmons got booed loudly in the introductions.
All day he’s appeared confident and ready for the moment he knew was coming. Now is his time to prove it. – 7:29 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Ben Simmons has been introduced to a lot of boos in his return #Sixers #Nets pic.twitter.com/IGILNM8uHA7:29 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Ben Simmons introduced for the first time as a visitor at Wells Fargo Center: pic.twitter.com/DmxegOzlWI7:29 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
As expected, Ben Simmons booed during his introduction #Sixers #Nets pic.twitter.com/YFwG0rirUW7:28 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Ben Simmons is heartily booed upon being introduced in Philly
‘It wasn’t that bad,’ Shaq says. – 7:28 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons introduced in Philly to heavy boos. pic.twitter.com/YCLiN9Mw5y7:28 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Good evening from the City of Brotherly Love. Unlilke Joan Jett, I do not expect love to be all around tonight. Ben Simmons is back in Philly facing a Embiid, Harden and Maxley-less Sixers. My gut says he’s either going to play great or let the crowd get to him. We’ll see. – 7:16 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
just when i thought this game tonight couldnt get any more overly-dramatic, TNT zooms in on Ben Simmons warming up and standing next to him is Scott Foster. – 7:15 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
There were waves of boos for Ben Simmons when he took the floor for pregame warmups, but they very quickly dissipated. pic.twitter.com/nHSNWRkpw67:12 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons led the Nets out of the tunnel with Patty Mills right behind him. He’s getting booed every time he touches the ball. We are also 20 minutes til tip and this place is pretty empty. pic.twitter.com/N47CzWu5297:10 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The reception as Ben Simmons took the court for team warmups. pic.twitter.com/nhceoKNqmB7:10 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Ben Simmons dunking late in the 4th quarter to seal a win in his return to Philly would be so amazing and such a perfectly “Ben Simmons in November” moment. – 7:08 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Royce O’Neale remains in the starting lineup. Joe Harris will come off the bench. Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton round out your #Nets starting 5 against the Sixers. – 7:01 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton officially join Kyrie, KD and Royce O’Neale in the starting lineup, per Nets. Simmons and Claxton’s ability to co-exist in a lineup a big key for Brooklyn moving forward. – 7:01 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
“I’m gonna be here all night. Let’s go, Ben. Forget all these fans. Joel’s scared.”
One Ben Simmons fan vocally showing love early. pic.twitter.com/E8vWigZSuC6:48 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons signed jerseys and items for a sizable crowd of Sixers fans showing him support tonight pic.twitter.com/gqqcaKxSZ66:31 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ben Simmons signing autographs for #76ers fans. #nets #sixers #nba pic.twitter.com/PNimQ45ep16:30 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Ben Simmons literally climbed into the stands to sign autographs and take selfies with fans after his pregame workout. pic.twitter.com/gCfAlVWtpR6:30 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Nets star Ben Simmons working on his free throws #Sixers #Nets pic.twitter.com/cOzVO08IyM6:23 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Ben Simmons out here on a court he knows well: pic.twitter.com/1Zhpen9m3N6:19 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
A couple of former #Sixers going to work in Seth Curry and Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/KyMVjiDLAo6:19 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Nets coach Jacque Vaughn on Ben Simmons behind the focal point of the Sixers fan base tonight:. “This is a Vince Vaughn earmuffs night tonight. That’s what that is. And it ain’t got nothing to do with the weather either.” – 6:16 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Ben Simmons has taken the court for his pregame warm-up. Honestly not really any boos/general hostility from what I’ve heard so far. pic.twitter.com/FmpBRY9uzK6:15 PM

Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
Ben Simmons going back to Philly, Michael Jordan going back to Chicago.
Same deal. – 6:13 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons and Kevin Durant getting shots up pregame. pic.twitter.com/EHeOweDtH26:12 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons on the court for pregame work. No real crowd reaction, but the arena is pretty empty right now. pic.twitter.com/ESODaw7x2K6:12 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
Jacque Vaughn says Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton will both start tonight. – 6:08 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Jacque Vaughn said it’s going to be a “Vince Vaughn earmuffs night” with the crowd reaction to Ben Simmons. Excellent Old School reference. Shame on you if you don’t know what he’s referencing. – 6:07 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Jacque Vaughn on the vitriol Ben Simmons will hear from #76ers fans: “This is a Vince Vaughn earmuff night. And it ain’t got nothing to do with the weather.” #Nets #Sixers6:06 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Nic Claxton and Ben Simmons will both start for the #Nets tonight vs. the #Sixers . – 6:04 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Jacque Vaughn said Ben Simmons will start again tonight for the Nets. – 6:04 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Nic Claxton will start alongside Ben Simmons tonight against the 76ers. – 6:04 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton will start together, despite the obvious spacing issues that Jacque Vaughn acknowledges. #Nets6:04 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Nic Claxton will start, along with Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant. – 6:03 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Ben Simmons will start again at center tonight, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn says. Nic Claxton will play but come off the bench. – 6:03 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Jacque Vaughn said Nic Claxton will start alongside Ben Simmons tonight. – 6:03 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons wants Philly return to stay focused on Sixers-Nets: ‘It’s not about everything else’ inquirer.com/sixers/ben-sim… via @phillyinquirer – 6:00 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Ben Simmons makes his return to Philadelphia tonight!
🏀 @RealJayWilliams explains why he’s rooting for him #NetsWorld
@Rick Kamla | @EvCoRadio
Hear Nets-76ers tonight starting at 7:30 ET only on NBA Radio https://t.co/AYipQpw9t4 pic.twitter.com/BVEyDudqsr5:00 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons wants Philly return to stay focused on #Sixers#Nets: ‘It’s not about everything else’ inquirer.com/sixers/ben-sim… via @phillyinquirer – 4:32 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons doesn’t expect #Sixers injuries to make Philly return anticlimactic: ‘Fans will make up for it’ inquirer.com/sixers/ben-sim… via @phillyinquirer – 2:23 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
It’s been 886 days since Ben Simmons last stepped on the floor in Philadelphia.
Simmons spoke about what he’s expecting when he makes his long-awaited return Tuesday. clutchpoints.com/nets-news-ben-…2:09 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Ben Simmons on facing the Sixers without Joel Embiid: ‘The fans will make up for it’
cbssports.com/nba/news/ben-s…1:33 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Seth Curry on Ben Simmons and his improvement:
“The past week or two he’s been a lot more upbeat and positive about himself and about his game… I think part of that is just him getting more healthy.” – 1:24 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Nine hours ahead of tipoff in front of fans that will assuredly jeer him, against the team that threw him under the bus before trading him to the Nets for James Harden, star forward Ben Simmons said he can’t be worried about salty 76ers fans. nydailynews.com/sports/basketb…12:14 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons on if his return to Philly is anti-climatic with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and James Harden not playing for the #Sixers: “I mean the fans will make up for it. Yeah, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be fun.”
Simmons knows he’ll hear a lot of boos. – 12:11 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Ben Simmons reflecting on his time with the #Sixers this morning in South Philly:
“I had a lot of great moments. We shared a lot of moments here. A lot of ups and downs. This is where I became a man … The fan base, it’s a special fanbase. I got a lot of love for Philly.” – 12:03 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
“I think there’s certain people that you just don’t talk to all the time. I got friends that I don’t talk to all the time.”
Ben Simmons opened up more about his relationship with Joel Embiid and what he remembers about his time. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/22/ben… via @SixersWire11:56 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons following this morning’s #BrooklynNets shootaround at the Wells Fargo Center: “It feels good to be back. It does feel good to be back. I’m ready to go, locked-in. So I’m ready to play.” – 11:51 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons on what he wants to continue to work on amid recent success:
“Staying aggressive, pushing the ball, finding my guys, and then, just being relentless honestly. Just staying in attack mode all game.” – 11:43 AM
Ramona Shelburne @ramonashelburne
Ben Simmons on trying to be Ben Simmons again, “My mind is telling me, ‘Go be you,’ But then my body’s trying to catch up. So it feels like I’m just progressing each day, each game. Just building up.
“I’m still trying to get a rhythm, find my pace. espn.com/nba/story/_/id…11:42 AM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Nets will be .500 if they get a win in Philly tonight. ALL things considered, it could be so much worse.
-Roster overhaul
-Head coach fired
-Kyrie suspended/distractions
-Ben Simmons’ integration
-Joe Harris early rust
-Injuries (Seth, Warren) – 11:42 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons is prepared for an emotionally charged — and hostile — Philly return: ‘I know what’s coming’ inquirer.com/sixers/ben-sim… via @phillyinquirer #Sixers #NBA #BrooklynNets11:38 AM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
icymi: i wrote about how good ben simmons looks and why it *might* be ok to believe in these brooklyn nets theringer.com/nba/2022/11/21…11:35 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons on his relationship with Joel Embiid:
“You’re not cool with everybody… I think there’s certain people that just you don’t talk to all the time.”
Says he had a lot of great times with Embiid and wishes him the best. pic.twitter.com/8DZB4RMYTV10:49 AM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons on Sixers fans who are salty that he and Joel Embiid never won a championship: “I can’t worry about everybody’s feelings. At the end of the day, I’m not here to make everyone happy.” – 10:41 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons when asked if tonight’s game in Philadelphia is anticlimactic with Joel Embiid out:
“I’m sure the fans will make up for it.”
Says he has not spoke to Embiid. pic.twitter.com/UFCcsFJXP310:39 AM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Asked Ben Simmons if it’s anticlimactic at all not to face Joel Embiid, James Harden or Tyrese Maxey (all out due to injury) in his return to Philly: “I think the fans will make up for it,” he said. – 10:37 AM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“Be [expletive] Ben Simmons. That is his reminder. Always be myself. Be me,” said @Ben Simmons to @andscape on advice from @CoachDPatrick. bit.ly/3ES7iQX #nets #nba10:36 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons says he’s not focused on the Philly crowd and is more-so focused on his team playing well. I followed up and asked how’s he’s able to separate personal agenda from team success: “I have to. If we want to be a great team, I have to do that.” #NetsWorld10:35 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Ben Simmons says he expects to start tonight against the 76ers – 10:31 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Ben Simmons says he expects to start tonight against Philadelphia. – 10:31 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about not playing against Embiid, Maxey and Harden, Ben Simmons said, “I think the fans will make up for it.” – 10:29 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Ben Simmons says he hasn’t talked to Joel Embiid during this return #Sixers10:28 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons: “Feels good to be back.” pic.twitter.com/eCPVrlM56E10:27 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Ben Simmons returns to Philly tonight amid his best stretch as a Net. Today’s story on his recent play, adjustment to the Big Apple (I spent time with him Saturday) and how he remains the X-factor: theathletic.com/3919085/2022/1…8:47 AM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Nets forward Ben Simmons has always had “Godfather” David Patrick’s support in his basketball journey. The #NBA three-time All-Star and the Sacramento State men’s basketball coach have a bond that has lasted through Simmons’ career triumphs and struggles. bit.ly/3ES7iQX8:45 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
NEW @TheCrossover Pod w/@Howard Beck:
▪️Kyrie returns
▪️Ben Simmons set to return (to Philly)
▪️What’s up with Golden State?
▪️Are MY Kings headed to the playoffs?
Links: bit.ly/2w1G5e28:35 AM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Ben Simmons set two season-highs on Sunday, per @SecondSpectrum:
-22 on-ball screens
-15 dribble-handoffs
This much more like the Nets could’ve expected: facilitate out of DHOs, screen and roll hard. It’s the ideal role on offense for Simmons in the half court. pic.twitter.com/uoEWNxCNse8:15 AM

More on this storyline

“I think it is a mental hurdle that you have to get over,” Nets guard Kyrie Irving said of Simmons. “He played extremely well a game ago and then came in tonight, I think he played well tonight. And we just got to be there for one another and support each other.” -via EuroHoops.net / November 23, 2022
Asked why he thinks so many people don’t like the Nets, Durant said, “It’s a lot of stuff that probably factor into it. But when NBA fans don’t like you, they really got love for you. It’s just misplaced love, I guess. But we get it. At the end of the day, people enjoy watching us play.” -via ESPN / November 23, 2022