Nets Ben Simmons On A Winning Streak: ‘Being himself’

The Nets’ victory run is the longest in the league this year and their longest since 2005–2006. And during this stretch, neither high-scoring talents Kevin Durant nor Kyrie Irving has their team’s best net rating. It belongs to Ben Simmons!

When it comes to net rating (+21.7), defensive rating (106.6), and even offensive rating (127.9) among the regular rotation players, Ben Simmons leads the club going into Thursday’s (AEDT) game against the Hawks. What’s been the secret?

Nets Ben Simmons On A Winning Streak: ‘Being himself’

The Brooklyn Nets have had a league-best nine-game winning streak while ranking among the NBA’s most effective teams. The NBA has been on fire throughout that period because of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who combine for 60.4 points per game, the most in the league among partners.

The last of the Nets’ Big 3 players, Ben Simmons, has averaged a modest 8.0 points per game throughout the run. Ben Simmons’ play has been overshadowed by the low-scoring total, but Brooklyn’s recent success has been quietly fueled by the first-year Net.

With 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.9 steals a game while shooting 60.9 per cent, Simmons has changed the game in a number of different ways. The more recent figures reflect his influence. During their winning streak, the three-time All-Star has the Nets’ greatest defensive rating (106.6), offensive rating (127.9), and net rating (+21.7). Additionally, Simmons had the top plus-minus (11.9) in December for the NBA.

Ben Simmons frequently makes game-winning plays while operating as the point centre and is not included in the stats. Let’s now discuss the many methods in which the 26-year-old imposed his influence on the game in addition to scoring.

Simmons’ orchestration of the transition game has added another weapon to Brooklyn’s already high-octane offense around Durant and Irving.

“He was incredible,” Durant said of Simmons. “I think his aggression was good all night. He was playing physical. I think he stayed with it all game, was able to make life tough and I think we all did a solid job of showing him a crowd a little bit, making him kick out and forcing him to turn the ball over, seven turnovers. So Ben’s the catalyst for that and we’re gonna need that going forward.”

 

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