Watch: Ben Simmons almost tallies triple-double in Nets return
Ben Simmons looked better than he had in years when he returned to the Nets on Monday night.
Of course, we're working with a small sample size when it comes to Simmons, but there's no denying the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft was impressive in Brooklyn's 147-114 win over Utah.
Simmons finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists on 5-of-5 shooting in only 18 minutes off the bench.
Per StatMuse, he's one of four players to have a 10/5/10 night while shooting 100%.
Afterward, he discussed his return to the court. "Amazing. Just a blessing to be back on the floor and play with my guys," Simmons told YES Network's Meghan Triplett.
Simmons is a three-time All-Star (2019-21) but has only appeared in 40 games (including Monday night) since the start of the 2021-22 season.
He was healthy to begin this season but missed 38 games in a row with a pinched nerve in his back. After spending more time on the bench than the court over the past three seasons, it was fair to wonder if this would be another lost season for Simmons.
One solid game isn't enough to erase the doubt surrounding him, but it's a start.
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