NEW YORK — Prior to Saturday’s 106-104 win over the Houston Rockets, the Brooklyn Nets had been in quite the rut as they lost 16 of 21 games coming into Saturday. After that win, despite how close it was, it seems that everything is looking up for the Nets, especially with the return of Ben Simmons.
“When did I feel like I was back in business? When they let me play,” Simmons said after putting up 10 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists in just over 18 minutes of court time in Monday’s 147-114 win over the Utah Jazz. Prior to Monday, Simmons had been out since Nov. 6 when he initially suffered the nerve impingement in his lower left back, causing him to miss 38 straight games. Once he returned, Simmons was business as usual.
“But, just stepping on the floor,” Simmons explained. “Just trying to play my game, feel it out, see where guys are going to be, and just get a little bit of rhythm back. So, I think it was a good first game.” The Nets were playing well against the Jazz in the first quarter, but the team took off once Simmons stepped onto the floor to the applause of the entire Barclays Center crowd.
Thanks to the way that Simmons plays, with pace and a confidence that has been missing from this roster, Brooklyn achieved its most lopsided victory of the season while putting up a season-best 41 assists. Like Simmons said, it looks like the Nets might be back in business.
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