NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets, along with their fanbase, were able to breathe a sigh of relief once Ben Simmons came back for Monday’s 147-114 win over the Utah Jazz. However, with Simmons ruled out for Wednesday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns due to a left knee contusion, it’s understandable if the uneasiness comes back. Simmons seems fine, though.
“He’ll be day-to-day going forward,” Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn said of Simmons prior to Wednesday’s game against the Suns. Simmons was initially listed as probable on Tuesday, but was downgraded to probable to out in a matter of hours on Wednesday. “(He) had an MRI, no structural damage, which was good, but had some swelling in that knee,” Vaughn explained.
While the Nets have been through this kind of scenario more than once when it comes to Simmons missing games due to injury, it appears that this knee issue isn’t expected to be serious enough to sideline Simmons for another extended absence. However, there are others who will be skeptical until he comes back and for good reason.
Wednesday also marked the return of superstar Kevin Durant to Barclays Center for the first time since he was traded to the Suns at last season’s trade deadline. Vaughn had the chance to explain what Durant meant to him and this is what he said:
“For me, my experience with Kevin (Durant), I’ll never forget. And, for me, in the world of negativity, it was a positive experience for me. K made me a better coach. And, there’s one thing that I never, ever doubted is, when I was a part of a staff or was coaching him as a head coach, going into a game, he wanted to win that game. And, that competitiveness and that ability to show up every night is special. He is a special human being. Nothing, but good and fond memories for me. I’m glad I had a chance to coach him. He is an unbelievable player and one of the best to ever suit up.”
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