On a night that promised to be marked by the return of kyrie irving (14 points, 5-12 from the field) after his suspension at Brooklyn Netsthe story of the triumph of the Jacque Vaughn Over the Memphis Grizzlies (without Ja Morant) by 127-115 ended up being the performance of a Ben Simmons what seems to be recovering his form from the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Australian had already been showing signs of progress, with two consecutive games establishing his maximum score in 2022-2023: 11 points against Sacramento and 15 against Portland with a perfect 6-6 from the field. This Sunday, however, he further enhanced his performance: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and another sensational 11-13 from the field.
This is the play Ben Simmons had yet to make this season: Initiating and finishing through contact towards the rim.
This breakout is starting to look for real.pic.twitter.com/kAL6iLvWq9
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 21, 2022
The Nets opened with Simmons as single indoor holder in a very small formation with KD (26 points), O’Neale, Kyrie and Harris, which allowed the former Sixers attack the much heavier bigs from Memphis. Especially Steven Adams.
That, added to some other good combination with Irvingmade life very easy for a Simmons who goes gaining aggressiveness and efficiency at the same time. There is still a long way to go, but with clearly positive signs in recent days.
Kyrie finds Ben Simmons for the easy lay!
Simmons has a season-high 20 PTS on the NBA App
???? https://t.co/1pomR04bRi pic.twitter.com/pTlRjakdyo— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2022
Simmons had not scored 22 points in a Regular Season game since March 2021, while the last time he had made at least 11 shots was in February of that same 2021. The most interesting thing? All this resurgence comes in advance of what will probably be his first game back in Philadelphia, this Tuesday, November 22 at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Nets have now won six of their last nine games, leaving them with 8-9 record and little by little, start to make up for that forgettable start to the season. On Tuesday, against the 76ers, they will have another good basketball and mood test.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA or its organizations.
