‘I know what’s coming’: Simmons’ hilarious Philly message after Aussie erupts in best game yet

The message from the Brooklyn Nets had at all times been easy — simply give Ben Simmons time.

It had not at all times been that easy although, with Kyrie Irving suspended and Brooklyn desperately in want of the Simmons of outdated to emerge.

But with Irving again within the line-up on Monday Simmons placed on a present in his greatest efficiency as a Net, scoring 22 factors in a 127-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

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The Australian additionally had 5 assists and eight rebounds to make a distinction on each ends of the ground and show simply how precious he may be in Brooklyn’s potential title tilt.

Kevin Durant was stellar as normal with a team-high 26 factors, seven assists and 7 rebounds, and Irving — after an eight-game suspension with out pay — had 14 factors and 5 boards.

But it was Simmons who really led the way in which for the Nets (8-9), who tied a season-high with 32 assists and shot a scalding 60.2 per cent.

With beginning centre Nic Claxton out for private causes, Simmons began within the pivot towards Steven Adams and outplayed the bruiser.

It marked Simmons’ first begin since October 29. He’d been relegated by Jacque Vaughn to coming off the bench for his final 5 appearances, and missed 5 different video games with a swollen left knee. Considering he’s within the center yr of a five-year max contract, getting him proper is of paramount significance.

But ever since sitting out final Sunday’s loss towards the Lakers, Simmons has posted season-best video games in three straight. He’d given Nets followers a glimmer in Sacramento, a tease in Portland, and Sunday towards the depleted Grizzlies he lastly appeared like his former All-Star self for the primary time.

In a recreation with six ties and 13 lead modifications, Brooklyn trailed 67-62 on a Dillon Brooks 3 however used an 8-0 run — all by Durant and Irving — to take the leads. They by no means trailed once more.

Memphis performed with out Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson and backup Danny Green. But the Nets will take any win they’ll get.

It was excellent timing for Simmons, who now prepares to face former teammates in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

“In Philly? Come on, I know what’s coming,” he laughed when requested if sufficient time had handed for Sixers followers to be much less vocal about their emotions at that recreation.

“One thing about Philly fans are incredible. They’re diehard Philly.”

But if Simmons performs like he does on Monday, he’ll nearly definitely have the final chortle.

The Nets outscored the Grizzlies 39-31 within the third quarter — their highest scoring of the season — to take a 96-93 lead going into the fourth.

Brooklyn led 94-93 with 34.9 seconds left within the third and reeled off a 20-5 run that spanned the intervals and put the sport away.

Simmons pushed the ball and hit Yuta Watanabe (16 factors) for a right-corner 3 and a 109-98 lead with 7:51 left. Watanabe hit one other, and Durant’s alley oop made it 114-98. The relaxation was rubbish time.

— with New York Post