Nets’ Ben Simmons says he ‘wants to be out there’ after loss to 76ers

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has played against the Philadelphia 76ers before. In fact, that happened earlier this season. However, for some reason, this time felt different. Simmons did not do much in the first half of Wednesday’s 137-133 loss to the 76ers and at time, he looked timid and afraid to make a move to the basket.

The game was physical in the beginning as players were jawing with each other constantly and as a result, some technical fouls had to be issued. To start the game, Simmons got switched onto Joel Embiid a few times and Embiid made sure to make Simmons have to play defense and force the referees to make a decision.

The third quarter was where Simmons shined. After coming into the second half with no points on one shot, Simmons had 10 points and five assists in the third. He was showing the level of aggression that everyone asks of him and he was a force of nature. However, Simmons checked out with less than nine minutes left in the fourth quarter and did not return as head coach Jacque Vaughn wanted to have more shooting on the floor. Simmons spoke postgame about the game and wanting to be out there:

When Simmons was asked about his not playing down the stretch in the fourth quarter, he said:

List

Player grades: Ben Simmons scores 12 in contentious 137-133 loss to the 76ers

List

NBA Twitter reacts to Nets' 137-133 loss to the 76ers

Story originally appeared on Nets Wire