Watch: Simmons almost tallies triple-double in Nets return

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Ben Simmons almost tallies triple-double in Nets return

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 1/29/24

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.

Ben Simmons checks in for ⁦@BrooklynNets⁩
Welcome back!!! pic.twitter.com/cmzdZn6F29
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 30, 2024

COOKIES & JAM

By @BenSimmons25 pic.twitter.com/xzDqr8b4EI
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 30, 2024

Per StatMuse, he's one of four players to have a 10/5/10 night while shooting 100%.

Players with a 10/5/10 game with 0 TOV and 100 FG%:

Jimmy Butler (2017)
Nikola Jokic (2018)
Jordan McLaughlin (2022)

And now, Ben Simmons. pic.twitter.com/v1zb7RH3s6
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 30, 2024

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.

Finishing just two rebounds short of a triple-double in his first game back, Ben Simmons tells @Meghan_Triplett how he was able to play comfortably in his return.#NETSonYES pic.twitter.com/nH7o4RCItN
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 30, 2024

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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