Brooklyn Nets superstar Ben Simmons marked his return to the court with a brilliant performance against the Utah Jazz. The Nets were at their dominant best as they brushed aside the Utah Jazz in a 147-114 victory.
Simmons was outstanding as he became the first Nets player to dish out six assists in the first quarter while coming off the bench. He handed six assists in just five minutes in the clash against the Jazz at the Barclays Center.
The Australian had been sidelined for the last 38 games, nearly three months. He last played a game back in November last year. He suffered from a pinched nerve in his lower back and hence he was out injured. The issue has bothered him for a couple of months now.
The former first-overall pick has been in the NBA for the last nine seasons. However, the last few seasons have been tough for Simmons with changing teams, getting involved in many controversies and suffering major injury problems. He has featured in only seven games this season.
Simmons assisted on four consecutive baskets to help Brooklyn outscore Utah by 12 points during his five first-quarter minutes. Nets led 43-28 after the opening frame.
While many people feel he has been a liability for the Nets with his poor shooting, he compensates for that aspect with his passing ability and ball IQ. Overall, he has been a brilliant point guard for the Nets.
But his hip injuries have hindered his progress as a player. When he is healthy, Simmons is a stellar addition to the Nets, especially coming off the bench and adding more depth to their roster.
Simmons finished the night with 10 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds from his 18 minutes on the court. Overall, the Nets blew away the Jazz completely as Mikal Bridges dropped 33 points while Cam Thomas delivered 25 points. Keyonte George turned up for the Jazz for the bench with 21 points while Lauri Markkanen and John Collins delivered 13 and 15 points respectively.
The Brooklyn Nets are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19-27 as they have won their last two games.
