Watch Philly fans greet Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons as he returns to the City of Brotherly Love before playing the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
“At 6’10” from LSU, No. 10 Ben Simmons,” said an announcer over the microphone as he read the Nets’ starting lineup. But as soon as the speaker mentioned LSU, boos from Philly fans could be heard throughout the Wells Fargo Center.
According to a handful of NBA betting sites, the Nets have the sixth-best odds to win the championship in 2023. See which sportsbooks are showing the highest odds for the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. Watch video of the parade below.
Ben Simmons was introduced to the Nets starting lineup
Brooklyn-Philadelphia is now on. #NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/q4FzlOgSRM
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 23, 2022
The crowd chanted “F@$% Ben Simmons!” Towards the end of the first quarter. Six players lead 33-26 after one. Shaq Milton leads the Sixers with seven points on 3-5 shooting. Kevin Durant and Nick Claxton each have eight for the Nets. Simmons with four and four assists.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 23, 2022
Near the end of the first quarter, some fans chanted, “F—k Ben Simmons!” They were heard saying. The fans booed every time the former Six caught the ball. This is not unusual for Philly fans.
Before the match, teammate Sethi Curry offered the 26-year-old his assist. “I’m just trying to go out there and help him in any way I can, just trying to make his life as easy as he makes it for me on the floor,” Curry said.
Watch Nets guard Ben Simmons get booed by Philly fans against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center.
Before the game, Simmons was asked if he felt it was anti-climactic to play a 76ers team minus Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and James Harden. “I think the fans will be compensated,” Simmons replied.
Additionally, Shake Milton led the Sixers with seven points in the first 12 minutes. Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant and Nick Claxton tied for the quarterfinals with eight points.
Simmons finished the opening quarter with four points and four rebounds. At halftime, Durant led Brooklyn with 14 points in 19 minutes of action. Watch the reaction of the fans as Simmons makes the free throws.
Ben Simmons made both free throws.
It is closed. pic.twitter.com/KQWo5dcDxE
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 23, 2022
At halftime, the Sixers lead 63-57. De’Anthony Melton is Philly’s leading scorer with 14 points. In 15 minutes, Simmons contributed nine points, five assists and three boards.
Philly fans weren’t impressed with the guard’s performance. Bettors weren’t sure if returning to Philadelphia would bother Simmons psychologically.
Following pregame workouts, the Nets guard was seen signing autographs and taking selfies with fans. Watch the video below.
Ben Simmons signs autographs and selfies in Philadelphia for “All the Haters” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/mBKuAbDTwg
– Net Videos (@SNYNets) November 22, 2022
“I know what’s coming. That’s part of the game,” the Nets guard said Monday. “Philly fans, one thing about Philly fans is amazing.
They are die-hard Phillies, and they are all Phillies, no matter what. I respect the city. It is a sports city. That’s Philly, and it’s a unique experience.”
Additionally, through 12 games of the 2022-23 season, Simmons is averaging 7.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. He shot 59.2% from the field.
Last Thursday, the Nets guard recorded his first double-double of the season against the Portland Trail Blazers. Go to the main page to watch Nets highlight videos and other Ben Simmons related content.
