Nets' dual-guard experiment with Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder works in preseason win over Wizards
Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole, center, is fouled by the Nets' Ben Simmons in the first half during ann NBA preseason game Monday at Barclays Center. Credit: AP/Heather Khalifa
For the Nets, games are about the bigger picture during this rebuild. Monday’s preseason home opener, for instance, was about assessing their radical dual-point guard experiment
Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder started together against the Wizards, another team expected to struggle this season. The pairing looked more comfortable in the 131-92 win at Barclays Center than the Nets’ preseason loss last week to the Clippers.
Simmons aggressively drove for a pair of layups and drew a charge in the first quarter. He stayed on the attack, ending the first half with a tip-in on a lob from Schroder.
Simmons had 11 first-half points in 13 minutes, a better showing than his 1-for-5 shooting effort in the Nets’ preseason opener. Both were also on the floor during most the Nets’ 14-0 run in the second quarter where Schroder kept the offense in transition finding open shooters.
“I’m very happy with it,” coach Jordi Fernandez said. “You look at our starting group finish that second quarter, how they performed, how Ben started pushed the ball [and] then how Dennis took charge of the group . . . I feel comfortable [with it].”
Simmons sat out the second half, which Fernandez said was part of his pregame plan as he continues to ramp up from back surgery. But Simmons was otherwise healthy and Fernandez said Simmons could have played more in the first.
Schroder finished with 13 points and seven assists.
The Nets staggered Schroder and Simmons’ minutes for most the first half as well. However, the plan is banking on the hope that Simmons will be available more often this season.
Because of his back issues, he’s only played 57 games the last two seasons. Schroder, 31, also is coming off a summer playing in the Olympics with Germany so he also shouldn't log heavy minutes.
So far, It’s a gamble that’s worked through two preseason games and it paid off more Tuesday. Cam Thomas had a game-high 17 points along with five rebounds. Cam Johnson scored 10 of his 11 points in the second quarter.
Shake Milton had 16 points off the bench while Jalen Wilson added 14 points.
The Nets also had 26 fast-break points after putting up 27 against the Clippers. Players noted Fernandez’ emphasis on conditioning and it is paying off with the Nets playing fast and forcing 19 Wizards turnovers.
Of course, playing fast helps with two point guards who thrive that way. For the Nets, they hope this experiment with Simmons and Schroder continues to thrive.
“It’s definitely a good lineup we can use,” Thomas said. “Obviously, having two guys out there playmake for shooters helps and I feel like it’s really a good benefit that we have with that lineup.”
Hayes, Johnson out
Killian Hayes missed his second consecutive preseason game with a hip injury. It’s one less chance for the Nets to see Hayes at game speed after he signed an Exhibit 10 contract this summer.
Keon Johnson also sat out the game because of an ankle sprain that Fernandez said wasn't serious. Johnson could be available for the Nets' final two preseason games this week.
Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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