Steve Nash ‘proud’ of Ben Simmons’ bounce-back after tough 1st sport

NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash stated he was “happy with” Ben Simmons for the best way the proficient swingman bounced again in Friday night time’s 109-105 win over the Toronto Raptors after a poor exhibiting within the Nets’ season opener.

“A step up for Ben,” Nash stated after seeing Simmons rating six factors, seize 10 rebounds, dish out eight assists and block two photographs in 32 minutes. “From the soar he was extra aggressive. He received within the paint, each time he will get within the paint he causes issues. … He is beginning to present the participant he might be, and I nonetheless assume he is received a methods to go, so actually happy with him. He shook off the primary night time, and I believed he was rather more aggressive in an essential sport for us.”

Simmons struggled in Wednesday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring simply 4 factors to go together with 5 assists and 5 rebounds and fouling out in 23 minutes. Simmons says he has been getting a constant message from Nash for some time now.

“Simply assault,” Simmons stated. “Simply be me. It is easy to say, however to go and do it, it is powerful. However that is on me. Preserve pushing myself.”

Simmons’ teammates have repeatedly stood up for him publicly as he continues to search out his rhythm after lacking nearly a 12 months and a half from the NBA after ready on a commerce from the Philadelphia 76ers final season after which coping with offseason again surgical procedure. The Nets know they could be a utterly totally different crew when Simmons performs at a excessive degree and is aggressive on the ground.

“He simply received downhill — he simply performed free,” Durant stated of Simmons. “He did not assume an excessive amount of. I believe we’re all somewhat anxious to start out enjoying, begin the season final sport, so we had a greater begin to the sport. … He impacted the sport as a lot as he may tonight. … We’d like that from everyone, however I believe we’re all somewhat [more] relaxed, even the coaches.”

Simmons famous that his efficiency was “somewhat higher” and stated he stays assured his sport will come again round over time.

“I did not get fouled out, which is sweet,” Simmons stated. “Much less turnovers, so simply preserve constructing.”