Oct 19, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) controls the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets Guard Ben Simmons ended his night early on Wednesday after fouling out early in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans. He played 23 minutes, finishing with 4 points and 6 fouls.
The 26-year-old made a move to Brooklyn in February 2022 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Diagnosed with a herniated disk, Simmons did not feature in any regular season games during the 2022 season. He was initially said to make his debut in Game 4 of the the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics, but did not, due to back soreness.
The game on Wednesday in Brooklyn was a highly anticipated debut for Ben Simmons, but fans were disappointed by the night. The Pelicans started off strong, outsourcing the Nets 32-14 in the first quarter. Brooklyn couldn’t find a way back into the game, losing their opener 130-108. Kevin Durant was the team’s leading scorer during the game, garnering 32 points in just as many minutes. The Pelicans out played the Nets in the paint, gathering 21 offensive rebounds to Brooklyn’s 9. The Nets look to bounce back quickly, hosting the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
Away from home, the New York failed to capture their first win of the season, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies 115-112 in OT. The Phoenix Suns beat the Dallas Mavericks in a tightly contested game despite a solid showing from Luka Doncic. Number one pick Paolo Banchero had an impressive debut in the Magic loss to the Detroit Pistons, scoring 27 points, the most by a debut from a number one pick since Lebron James. The Portland Trailblazers, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards all record wins in their opening games on Wednesday.
NBA action continues on Thursday with The Milwaukee Bucks facing the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 and Clippers facing the Lakers in the Battle of Los Angeles at 10 PM.
