The Brooklyn Nets are back on the court after a dramatic offseason, with the NBA world seeing the trio of Ben Simmons, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for the first time.
Simmons made his Nets debut Tuesday in Brooklyn’s preseason game against his former team, Philadelphia, with the 76ers leading 65-62 into the half.
The trio played 19 minutes each before resting for the remainder of the game, with the Sixers winning 127-108.
Brooklyn Nets' Simmons Is On the Other Side Against His Former Team Member
Back at it on Thursday pic.twitter.com/VoH9zso6lW
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 4, 2022
The 76ers went into the second quarter with a 42-26 lead, with Maxey (14 points, 3 assists, 1 steal) leading while Isaiah Joe made two 3-pointers off the bench.
Simmons told reporters after the game that he thought he would be “nervous” to be back on the court, but it was a positive sign for the Nets, who instead said he was “excited.”
Simmons finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal on 3-of-6 from the field and 0-of-2 from the free throw line.
Luckily for the Australian, the game was played at the Barclays Center in New York, meaning he didn’t have to worry too much about the hostile reception he received from Philadelphia fans.
He also doesn’t have to worry about defending former teammate Joel Embiid or fellow Sixers superstar James Harden, both of whom sitting out Tuesday’s game.
Ben Simmons is expected to make his Nets debut tonight 👀
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 3, 2022
Brooklyn will play the 76ers, his former team. pic.twitter.com/69YWOe1d8X
