Ben Simmons responded to his forgettable Brooklyn Nets debut with a strong first half against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday (all times AEDT).
The Aussie star looked more engaged and in a rhythm from the start of the opening tip, with his playmaking and activeness on the glass a standout in a well-rounded showing.
Simmons had four points, five rebounds, five assists and one block in 18 minutes of action including a couple of nice dishes to open teammates to set up big plays.
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Sat, 22 Oct
Saturday October 22nd
Despite his improved play, the Nets trail Toronto 49-52 at the main break, with Pascal Siakam’s 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists leading the way for the visitors.
Simmons’ performance drew praise from the basketball world on social media.
It comes after Simmons fouled out less than one minute into the fourth quarter of his Nets debut against the New Orleans Pelicans with just four points.
“It takes time,” Simmons said post-game.
“Having back surgery and being away from the game for a year, there are little things that your mind might tell you to go do something but your body doesn’t want to go do that. But those are the habits, that’s something that I just need to continue to focus on and be aggressive regardless of the result.”
MORE TO COME.
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