When the Utah Jazz rolled into Brooklyn on Monday night, they had scored 120 points or more in 11 straight games, one away from an NBA record. The Nets held them to 114 points while they scored 147 points, the most ever by the franchise at home in regulation. The story of the night was the return of one of the more confounding players in NBA history, Ben Simmons. A three time All-Star and two time ALL NBA defender, Simmons was one of the league’s rising stars as late as three years ago in Philadelphia before succumbing to mental and physical strife.
Simmons had played in just 48 games for the Nets over parts of three seasons, including six to start this season before going out of the lineup with a nerve impingement in his back. He is still just 27 years old, and in his first game back he quickly showed the talent that has caused scouts and fans to fawn over at times during his career. In 18 minutes, he had 10 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, zero turnovers, 1 block and a steal. Utah played at the Knicks Tuesday night. Mikal Bridges had 33 points for Brooklyn.
The Nets hosted the Phoenix Sun Wednesday night before traveling to Philadelphia Saturday. The Golden State Warriors come to Barclays Center Monday, February 5th.
