Ben Simmons returns in triumphant fashion with near-triple-double in Nets’ blowout

Ben Simmons returned in triumphant fashion for the Nets.

Playing his first game since Nov. 6 following a back injury, the former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick posted a near triple-double of 10 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds on 5-of-5 shooting (including a vicious transition dunk) in 18 minutes of a 147-114 blowout of the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center.

The Nets (19-27) recorded back-to-back wins for first time since Christmas.

“Amazing, just a blessing to be back on the floor and play with my guys and I’m glad we could get the win,” Simmons told Meghan Triplett of the YES Network.

Asked how he found his comfort level after missing so much time, Simmons said, “Just instinct. I play with my heart and how I know how to play the game, so for me I just want to find my guys and play the right way.”

Mikal Bridges led eight Nets in double-figures with 33 points. Cam Thomas scored 25, Lonnie Walker IV 19 and Cam Johnson 17.

Want to bet on the NBA?

See the best NJ Sports Betting sites

Simmons also praised the Nets’ defense.

“I think if we just focus on defense, the offense is going to come,” Simmons said. “We have a lot of talented guys on this roster and I’m just trying to make it easy for everybody.”

The 6-foot-10 former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star has been beset by injuries — he had surgery to repair a herniated disk in May 2022 — and mental health issues in recent years and played his final game of the 2022-23 season on Feb. 15. The Nets then shut him down in March due to a nerve impingement in his back.

Last January, when he wasn’t contributing much to the Nets and still seemed afraid to shoot, ESPN’s Jalen Rose accused Simmons of “stealing money” with “a ski mask and gloves.”

Still, the Nets had no choice but to support Simmons, who is on the hook for close to $80 million across the next two seasons.

Entering the season, Nets GM Sean Marks said the team was ready to “unleash” Simmons.

“This Is more like, get out here, support him and unleash him,” he said then. “If he’s feeling great, then let him go.”

Now it may finally be time.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter who covers Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.