Ben Simmons returns with double-double, sparks Nets to rout of Jazz
Nets guard Ben Simmons goes up for a break-away dunk against the Utah Jazz in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Barclays Center on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Ben Simmons couldn’t sit still waiting to check into his first game in almost three months. He stood in the Nets’ tunnel, warming up like a boxer psyching himself up before walking into the ring
“I just didn’t want to sit down. I was ready to go,” Simmons said. “I’m not used to coming off the bench like that. For me, I was a little antsy,
Simmons delivered what the Nets had been missing during their 147-114 win at Barclays Center. A high-octane, up-tempo performance orchestrated by their point guard who had been out since Nov. 6 because of a back injury.
In 18 minutes, Simmons had 10 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists and was a perfect 5-5 shooting from the field. Six assists came in the first quarter, including one on his first possession after a steal by Lonnie Walker IV.
He even flashed some razzle-dazzle with a no-look pass to Royce O’Neale in the first quarter during a 14-0 Nets run where he had four assists account for 10 points.
“I told them as soon as we checked in. Like, they know what time it is,” Simmons said. “I think certain guys know what it’s like to play with me and where their shot’s going to come from. So for us, it’s easy. It’s just about sharing the ball and playing the right way.”
Simmons, who was applauded when he checked in, didn’t look like a player who missed 38 consecutive games with a nerve impingement in his back. The Nets (19-27) didn’t resemble a team that was 5-17 since Dec. 14
With Simmons as the catalyst, they set season-highs in points, margin of victory and assists (41). They had 28 fast break points, tied for their second-most of the season and most since Dec. 16.
Eight Nets scored in double figures, led by Mikal Bridges’ 33 points. Their 21 three-pointers was the most they’ve made this season since making 25 in a Nov. 26 win over the Bulls.
The Nets also set a franchise record for most points in a regulation home game. It wasn’t a coincidence that all happened with Simmons, who was a plus-27 while on the floor. “You see how other people played so well tonight because of the impact of Ben Simmons,” coach Jacque Vaughn said. “It’s that simple.”
The Nets, with their first win streak since two wins over the Pistons on Dec. 23 and 26, shot 51.4% from the field. The Jazz (24-24), who won eight of their previous 11 games, trailed by double-digits for all of the second half.
Cam Thomas had 25 points and seven rebounds in his second consecutive start with Dorian Finney-Smith out with a sprained left ankle. Walker added 19 points off the bench and Johnson had 17 points.
“[It] was real infectious,” said O’Neale, who had 11 points. “As you see, guys got to run. Easy threes, layups, transition. It just trickles down and makes us play even better.”
Simmons mostly played in five-minute stints in lineups without Nic Claxton on the floor. With perimeter shooters around him, he generated 28 points off his assists, including six made three-pointers. He only took one shot in the first half, a tip-in layup, and scored eight points after halftime. He also probably scared some fans after a hard fall trying to get a rebound in the fourth quarter.
The Nets quickly pulled him out of the game, with the win in hand. Fans gave another round of applause with the job done and Simmons and the Nets looking like their old selves again.
“It took a lot of effort and patience and time to get back to where I’m at now,” Simmons said. “Every single day, every morning, every day, I’m working to get back on the floor. It’s not online, you don’t see that.
“For me and everyone that has seen that and seen my discipline over the last two months, it’s great to see it pay off.”
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
