Ben Simmons had one of the most incredible box scores in NBA history as the Brooklyn Nets began life without Kevin Durant.
The Australian All-Star had 13 assists, including a surprising 10 in the first half, as the Nets fell to the Boston Celtics 109-98 without Durant, who is out with a knee injury.
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WHAT’S GOING ON! Impressive assists from Simmons | 01:37
Friday, Jan. 13
Friday January 13
Simmons also had nine rebounds, but didn’t manage a single point on 0-for-3 shooting.
He also found himself in early trouble, restricting him to just 26 minutes.
It’s just the 18th time in NBA history that a player has 13 assists but no points.
NBA analyst Richard Jefferson praised Simmons’ play in the first half, but urged him to attack the basket more.
“The pace has picked up, allowing Ben Simmons to play in transition. I’d say half of his assists have come on the break,” he said.
“But he has to look at the rim more. He can’t just rely on Kyrie, Seth Curry and Joe Harris.”
Speaking at halftime, his analyst Kenny Smith called the “misconception” when it came to Simmons.
Ben Simmons had 10 assists in the first half. Source: AFP
“I think sometimes there’s a misconception about the goal,” he said.
“Yes, he could score more, but his biggest value is that he can defend, rebound and pass the ball at a pace that no one else can.
“Yes, he can score more, that would be fantastic. But give me 20 assists and 10 rebounds, I don’t care how many baskets you score.”
NBA legend Charles Barkley, however, was having none of it.
“I 100 percent disagree with Kenny,” he said.
“You can’t go an entire half without scoring.
“It’s almost impossible for a talented guy to go the whole half without scoring. He doesn’t even look at the basket.
Simmons’ defensive efforts were also on display as he helped hold Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum to just 20 points. The Nets also outscored the Celtics by 10 points when Simmons was on the court.
On the other hand, Derrick White (15 points) and Marcus Smart (16 points) stepped up for the Celtics in the absence of Jaylen Brown.
For the Nets, Irving leads the line with 24 points, while Joe Harris (18 points) and TJ Warren (20 points) were the other main contributors.
Speaking after the game, Simmons addressed his lack of scoring.
“Being assertive, being aggressive and knowing that my team needs that,” he said.
“I think I gave the ball away too many times. I know I have to get buckets and that will also help my teammates and get them going.”
While Simmons’ lack of points was a big talking point, his passing display drew plenty of applause.
SCORES
Celtics 109 defeat Nets 98
Thunder 133 def 76ers 114
Heat 108 vs Bucks 102
Raptors 124 to Hornets 114