After a scoreless night for the Nets, Kyrie Irving sends Ben Simmons a strong message

January 14, 2023

The Brooklyn Nets were on a roll through the end of the year and into the new one, but have recently slowed down.

Kyrie Irving sends a strong message to Ben Simmons after the Nets go scoreless in a game

Kyrie Irving sends a strong message to Ben Simmons after the Nets go scoreless in a game

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Their recent 2-2 record follows a ridiculous 12-game winning streak that ended with a tough loss to the East-leading Boston Celtics on Thursday night.

Ben Simmons’ poor showing only tarnished an already disappointing loss. He shot 0 for 3 from the field and ended up with nine boards and 13 assists, but no points. But Kyrie Irving encouraged Simmons after the game.

”He’s just gotta be himself. We’re not gonna put too much pressure on him,” Irving told Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News.

“We’re not gonna let this one particular game or any other games where he scored eight points, four points, it doesn’t matter. It’s all on us as a team to collectively put points on the board, and when he gets his opportunities, we just want him to be aggressive.”

With two of the greatest scorers of all time on the Nets, Simmons found a comfortable groove and role as the team went on its historic winning streak.

He scored 7.2 points per game, grabbed 6.5 boards, and dished out 6.2 assists on 57.1% shooting during their winning streak.

With Kevin Durant out for the season with an MCL sprain, the Nets will need a little more production from Ben Simmons. Simmons needs to step up his scoring, but TJ Warren and Seth Curry can help fill in the blanks.

When facing the Celtics, Irving also struggled. He scored 24 points, grabbed two boards, and dished out six assists, but he only shot 9 of 24 from the floor and 3 of 11 from deep.

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Ben Simmons Speaks Out After Celtics Game in Which He Didn’t Score

“I think it starts with being aggressive knowing that my team needs that,” Simmons told Erik Slater of Clutch Points. “I think I’m giving the ball up way too many times when I know who I am. I know I need to get to the rim and get buckets.”

For His Lack of Motivation, Ben Simmons Is Criticized

Simmons has never been the top scorer in the NBA. On the other hand, he used to spend a lot more time behind the wheel than he does now.

On NBA Today, ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne criticized his lack of drives, saying it was unacceptable for a player of his talent.

“Ben Simmons used to drive to the basket,” Shelbourne said on January 9. “He was fifth in the NBA in drives to the basket five years ago. He used to average around 10 drives to the basket per game. This year, 3.0 drives a game. That’s not enough for a guy like Ben Simmons.”