Nets’ Ben Simmons learning off mistakes, continuing to show improvements during preseason

The Brooklyn Nets suffered their second loss of the NBA preseason against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, but Ben Simmons continues to impress. Despite playing only 42 games in the previous season due to a back injury, the 27-year-old showcased his talent in the team’s first preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 10. Simmons carried his performance forward against his former team, scoring eight points, providing nine assists, and securing six rebounds in 29 minutes of play.

Head coach Jacque Vaughn acknowledged that there are still areas of the game that Simmons needs to work on, as well as areas where teammates must adapt to playing alongside the former No. 1 pick. Simmons had eight turnovers in the loss, but Vaughn expressed his satisfaction with the team’s patience in learning and growing together.

Simmons himself admitted that turnovers were an issue in the game against the Sixers but emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes during the preseason rather than the regular season. Vaughn also praised Simmons for his catch-and-shoot three-point looks and his ability to draw double-teams by attacking the rim.

Simmons expressed his trust in teammate Spencer Dinwiddie and discussed the importance of being a leader for the Nets. Despite the loss, he commended the team’s resilience and their commitment to the game plan.