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Tim BontempsESPN
NEW YORK — Kyrie Irving Barclays Center on Sunday night, where he was suspended for eight games, he was able to return to the game. Brooklyn Nets In opposition to Memphis GrizzliesBut it was Ben Simmons Who was the main star on the court?
Irving and Irving are great friends. Kevin Durant Simmons recorded his seventh straight positive individual performance. Simmons finished the game with 22 points, on 11-for-13 shooting, to go along with eight rebounds (and five assists) in Brooklyn’s 127–115 win.
Simmons stated, “I’m just keeping my eyes on the prize,” “I’m just taking it day-by-day. That’s what it is. It’s up to me to keep it that way.
“It’s bad for me if I get too involved in all the news and start getting stressed out. My personal motto is to be focused and take it one day at a time. Just keep working hard and don’t let go of the good times.
It has been a week of great performances for Simmons. He scored in single digits in eight of his first eight games of the season. Simmons also had better performances against Sacramento and Portland. His best performance in a Nets uniform was back home, in front of Brooklyn’s supporters Sunday night.
Simmons, who had been hesitant at times to shoot earlier in the season — Simmons took the time to attack the basket against the Grizzlies. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane Jaren Jackson Jr. because of injuries — with a verve & aggression that stood out for everyone who was watching.
“It was his relentless attack on the rim that you could see, but it wasn’t his pace or his attack of it. He was spraying the ball with a lot of force. [around]Jacque Vanaughn, Nets coach said. “The pace he set for us tonight, it’ll make it difficult to guard us,” Jacque Vaughn said.
However, Simmons and the Nets’ focus will now shift to Tuesday night when they head down Interstate 95 to face Simmons, their old team. Philadelphia 76ersSimmons will make his Wells Fargo Center debut as a visitor, marking the first time that Simmons has made it to Wells Fargo Center.
Simmons smiled when he was asked about his emotions in Philadelphia.
He said, “I’m ready for play,” before adding, “Something is going on?” As the room burst into laughter,
Simmons was then asked if enough time had passed for his negative feelings about his departure to simmer down in City of Brotherly Love. He looked stunned before the question was finished.
“In Philly?” Simmons said it, drawing more laughs. “I know exactly what’s going to happen. That’s part and parcel of the game. Philly fans, there is one thing that makes Philly fans special. They are Philly fervents and are passionate about everything Philly. That is something I admire about the city. It’s a town for sports. I thought you were talking to me. Yuta [Watanabe] Before the game, talk about Philadelphia and what it’s like playing there. It’s an amazing opportunity to wear whatever jersey you want.
“That’s Philly and it’s an unforgettable experience.”
It’s the one Simmons is certain has in his possession for Tuesday. The Simmons-inspired visit to the Nets last season was the first time they had been there.James Harden He was wearing street clothes and was only sitting on the bench. boos fell upon his head. It’s not difficult to imagine Simmons getting booed when he takes to the court for the first-time. Simmons is often the center of the Nets and will likely have to guard his former co-stars. Joel Embiid.
Simmons stated that Brooklyn would likely have to send four Embiid guys to try to slow him down. However, Simmons said that while he isn’t sure how the fans will react, he still enjoys Brooklyn, the only place he had lived in as an adult, up until being traded to Brooklyn.
“I was 18 when I came to Philly. It’s where I have lived my entire adult life.” He stated that the city is a special place to him. People don’t realize that many of my closest friends are from Philadelphia. My brother still lives and works in Philadelphia. Whatever happened, it didn’t matter what. However, I still have a lot of affection for the city and look forward to visiting it again.
The Nets are excited to see if Simmons can keep playing like this now that Simmons has been doing well.
Durant, however, isn’t too excited about Simmons’s appearance.
Durant stated, “I expect this of Ben.” “So when he plays well I’m not going get excited about it.”