In his first game since November 6, Ben Simmons made a significant impact off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets against the Utah Jazz. Simmons, wearing the Nets' unique uniforms, checked in with 6:27 left in the first quarter to a warm reception from the crowd. He quickly racked up six assists in just five minutes, helping the Nets to a strong start with a 43-point quarter. The team ended the first quarter with a 43-28 lead, partly due to their impressive shooting performance, hitting 65.4% from the field, 57% from three, and 100% from the free-throw line, making eight three-pointers. Brooklyn's offense was notably efficient in the first half, with a season-high 20 assists. Simmons became the first Nets player to register six assists in a first quarter off the bench since play-by-play tracking started in '96-'97. His return to the court was marked by his ability to facilitate the offense and contribute to the team's extended runs, including a 14-0 spurt, without taking a shot himself.
Ben Simmons up to 6 rebounds to go with 7 assists. Nets have 20 assists: season-high for a half.
Interesting to see Ben Simmons come in and dish out six assists in five minutes. Was a really good energy giver for the Nets in that little run.
With 6:36 left in the half the @utahjazz trail the @BrooklynNets 56-44. Brooklyn's hot shooting has cooled off, but the Jazz carelessness with the ball has been an issue. #takeNote https://t.co/0mysF54NMo
Nets end the first quarter on a 21-8 run to take a 15-point lead on Utah. Ben Simmons was a huge part of that. He had six assists in just five minutes. He is the first Nets player to register six assists in a first quarter off the bench since quarter stats were first tracked.
One game removed from scoring 47 first quarter points of their own, the @utahjazz have given up 43 points to the @BrooklynNets and trail by 15. #TakeNote https://t.co/Mi7B7ZhN2U
Ben Simmons is making plays in his first game back with for Nets since November 6th. He's racked up six assists in five minutes 👀 🎥 @BrooklynNets https://t.co/pcZk6KQadx
The Jazz trail the Nets 43-28 at the end of one quarter....Brooklyn makes eight threes and the Nets currently have 65/57/100 shooting splits....Utah is shooting decidedly not as well and playing overall even worse
A 43-point quarter by the Nets. Six assists by Ben Simmons, the first by a Nets player off the bench in a 1st Q since play-by-play tracking started in 96-97. Simmons's return has gone well as planned. Nets up 43-28 after one and shooting 65.4%
Ben Simmons just recorded 6 assists in his first 5 minutes of play 🔥 BEN10 BACK. https://t.co/Bm2b1BneD5
After 1: Nets 43, Jazz 28 Tremendous start for the Nets, who get six assists from Ben Simmons and are 8-for-14 from 3 and shooting 65 percent overall.
6 assists in 4 minutes. 14-0 run. 20-6 extended run since checking in. Ben Simmons is back https://t.co/JXO9ofz67D
Ben Simmons has 5 AST in 4 minutes in his return! Nets-Jazz | Live on NBA App 📲 https://t.co/Yz4mCW5eCt https://t.co/S9ZjSEqQjr
Well how about that https://t.co/uIAHIUlHPQ
Ben Simmons checked in to his first game since November 6th. He picked up 6 assists in his first 4 minutes. https://t.co/XD32xGskRb
Simmons checks out with 1:53 to go in the 1st It was 16-14 Nets when he arrived. 36-21 when he left in between free throws. 6 assists in 5 mins. Instant impact
Ben Simmons is back! https://t.co/8APDAcCBv1
Simmons has six assists in five minutes. https://t.co/TpAbjPkf8H
The @BrooklynNets are on a 14-0 run and have built a 36-20 lead with 2:09 left in the first quarter. Tough first quarter for the @utahjazz. #TakeNote https://t.co/yQO1otxjno
The Nets are on a 20-6 run since Ben Simmons checked in the game. He has six assists in four minutes. Has completely dominated this first quarter without attempting a shot.
Nets' last five possessions: - Simmons hits ahead to Bridges in transition for 3 - Simmons finds Walker in transition for 3 - Simmons no-look pass to O'Neale for an easy layup - Thomas layup - Thomas layup Brooklyn leads Utah 36-20 with 2:09 left in the first quarter.
Nets lead Utah 36-20 late in the first quarter. Thomas and Bridges both already with 10 points and Ben Simmons has six assists in under 5 minutes.
Now everybody's fired up. After Simmons threw a dime to Thomas for a layup, the Nets got a steal and O'Nale had a dime to Cam Thomas. The Ben Simmons impact at work: 0 shots, 6 assists in 4 mins. Nets up 36-20 on the Jazz.
ben simmons has six assists in four minutes
Been a terrific start for Ben Simmons, who has six assists in four minutes and has helped Brooklyn leap out to a 36-20 lead late in the first. Simmons has pushed the pace at every opportunity and set up a bunch of easy looks.
Welcome back Ben Simmons! https://t.co/XrhoVHuycL
Ben Simmons has five assists in four minutes. Definitely getting the Nets up the floor quickly.
Nice applause for Ben Simmons checking in at 6:27. First game since Nov.6 Already 2 assists in the first minute. https://t.co/MXHV7G9DF8
Ben Simmons checks in with 6:27 left in the first quarter. His first NBA game since Nov. 6. https://t.co/VZbhtPW0MX
Tipping off in Brooklyn. Jazz vs. Nets. Nets wearing their weird uniforms. Ben Simmons is in one for the first time since November, set to come off the bench tonight.
AND ONE 😤 https://t.co/6CrgvfZNnd