After a rough start to the season, Ben Simmons is beginning to round into form as a big clash with the Philadelphia 76ers arrives.
When Ben Simmons takes the floor (with the Brooklyn Nets) against the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday night, it’s not going to be pretty. Philly fans know that. Non-Philly fans know that. And even Simmons himself knows that.
"[via ESPN]“I know what’s coming. That’s part of the game. Philly fans, one thing about Philly fans is they are incredible. They are die-hard Philly and they are everything Philly, whatever it is. I respect that about the city. It’s a sports town.”"
But that’s part of the game. And it’s part of the intrigue that will take place in an NBA regular season game in November. Not only is it going to be an opportunity for the Nets to stack another win and put another foot forward after a rough start to the year, but it will give Simmons an opportunity to put a portion of his career behind him.
Simmons was great at times during his tenure in Philadelphia. It may not have ended the way the Sixers or Simmons may have envisioned it ending, but what has happened is now water under the bridge.
Both the Sixers and Simmons are in a completely different place.
The Sixers have hobbled out of the gate and are without both James Harden and Tyrese Maxey heading into the matchup with the Nets. Brooklyn, on the other hand, is trending in the opposite direction.
Ben Simmons is beginning to look like his former self
After getting off to a 1-5 start to the season, the Nets are 7-4 since. Specifically, the team has won six of their last nine. Kyrie Irving is back and Kevin Durant has been as impressive as ever.
But it’s not just the Nets that are beginning to round into form. So is Simmons.
In Simmons’ last three games, he’s averaging 16 points, 8.6 rebounds, and five assists per game on an extremely efficient 86 percent shooting from the field. After not having scored in double figures in any of the first nine games played, Simmons has scored in double figures in each of the last three.
Slowly, Simmons is beginning to flash his former self. He still has a ways to go to get back to all-star form (and there’s no guarantee that he’ll be able to get there) but the last few games from him have to be viewed as a huge positive.
Tuesday night’s clash with the Sixers could be a huge opportunity for both the Nets and Simmons. From a team perspective, it could give them another chance to prove they’re going to be a factor in the Eastern Conference. For Simmons, it will give him the opportunity to not only build on his last three games but it will also allow him to somewhat close the book with Philadelphia.
The Nets’ clash with the Sixers may be just another regular season in November on paper, but it could end up being a huge moment and a possible momentum-builder for this team.