The Brooklyn Nets tipped off their third NBA Cup matchup of the 2024-25 season against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Brooklyn was fresh off a thrilling 116-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets, while the Sixers were battling a five-game losing streak. Outside of the regular matchups, all eyes were on former Philly All-Star Ben Simmons before the game.
Simmons had a notable history with the 76ers before he joined the Nets via trade in February of 2022. Since then, he has been serenaded with boos nearly every time he steps foot back into Well Fargo Center. The trend continued on Friday night, as Sixers fans did not wait long to express their discontent with Simmons' appearance during starting lineup announcements, as shown by Erik Slater of ClutchPoints:
Ben Simmons gets his typical reception from the Philly crowd. pic.twitter.com/Kuz630HwhT
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 23, 2024
Simmons cracked the Nets' starting lineup for the first time since Nov. 9 against the Boston Celtics. He is filling in for Nic Claxton, who, after being listed as questionable for Friday's game, was downgraded to out. Cam Thomas was probable to play and started for Brooklyn alongside the previously questionable Dorian Finney-Smith.
Brooklyn is taking on its Philly matchup in a hostile environment, but they have everything they need to come away with a win.
How Ben Simmons can lead Nets to 76ers victory
Simmons is bracing for a breakout with the Nets.
Through his first 11 games of the 2024-25 season, the seventh-year forward has averaged 5.7 points, 6.8 assists, 6.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks. Simmons put on an impressive performance in Brooklyn's last win over the Hornets. He scored a season-high 10 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished five assists along with two steals and one block. Moreover, he attempted his greatest amount of shots on the season at eight.
If Simmons is to make a greater impact in Friday's 76ers game, he must continue to up his shot attempts. Jordi Fernandez has not been shy in challenging Simmons to be more assertive on offense. His slashing and inside scoring ability change the dynamic of Brooklyn's attack, but of course, that is not the only area he excels in.
Simmons can essentially guard all five positions on the court, making him an invaluable defensive weapon for the Nets. In addition to possibly guarding forwards, Simmons may take up the challenge of guarding Tyrese Maxey and/or Jared McCain.
Brooklyn found itself in a 46-33 hole with six minutes left in the second quarter. Can they rally and get a win just as they have done in previous matchups?