Nets' Simmons stars vs. Jazz in return from 38-game absence
Brooklyn Nets point forward Ben Simmons was impressive off the bench in his return from a 38-game absence in a 147-114 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday.
Simmons recorded 10 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and zero turnovers on 5-of-5 shooting from the field in 18 minutes in his first appearance since Nov. 6.
"Other people played so well tonight because of the impact of Ben Simmons. It’s that simple… Ben deserves an extreme amount of credit for how he played tonight," Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said postgame.
"He makes other dudes better. And he likes doing that," Vaughn added.
Simmons became the first Nets player in 20 years to record 11 or more assists in a game without a turnover, per ESPN Stats & Info's Matt Williams. The last to accomplish the feat was Vaughn.
The three-time All-Star had played in just six games this season prior to Monday's contest, averaging 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 31.8 minutes. The notoriously hesitant shooter has yet to attempt a 3-pointer and is 1-for-4 from the free-throw line this season.
Simmons has dealt with countless injuries and absences over the last three seasons, playing in 48 of a possible 246 games between the Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Nets now sit 10th in the East at 19-27 and occupy the final play-in spot.