Steve Nash is ‘proud’ of Ben Simmons for his second performance as a Net as he bounces back

Nets coach Steve Nash said he was ‘proud’ of Ben Simmons for his improved performance in Brooklyn’s second game of the season, as the 26-year-old brushed off a rough debut to help his team to a 109-105 win vs. the Raptors.

Simmons, who had gone 16 months without playing a game due to mental health and back issues, had a nightmarish start to life as a Net Wednesday as he scored just four points and fouled out in 23 minutes.

And while he may not be back to his best just yet, his performance vs. Toronto on Friday was certainly a step in the right direction.

Ben Simmons had a much improved performance in his second Nets game Friday vs. Toronto

Simmons finished with six points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks in 32 minutes, as the 6-foot-10 point guard was far more aggressive and impactful on both ends of the court. 

Nash called it ‘a step up for Ben’ after the tight win.

‘From the jump he was more aggressive. He got in the paint, every time he gets in the paint he causes problems. … He’s starting to show the player he can be, and I still think he’s got a ways to go, so really proud of him,’ the coach said. 

Steve Nash praised Simmons after the Nets’ close win over the Raptors at the Barclays Center

‘He shook off the first night, and I thought he was much more aggressive in an important game for us.’

While there were still a few occasions on Friday where Simmons could’ve gone to the basket himself instead of passing, there were at least flashes of the player who’s already a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defense nod at the age of 26.

Simmons called his performance ‘a little better,’ hinting that his game is still coming around after such a long absence.

With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and a cadre of other capable scorers around him in Brooklyn, the Nets may not need Simmons to average nearly 16 points a contest like he did throughout four seasons for the Sixers.

Simmons and Kevin Durant helped the Nets claw back from a 10-point second half deficit

They will, however, need the type of aggression and intent he showed vs. the Raptors. 

‘He just got downhill — he just played free,’ Durant said of his teammate. ‘He didn’t think too much. I think we’re all a little anxious to start playing, start the season last game, so we had a better start to the game.

‘He impacted the game as much as he could tonight. … We need that from everybody, but I think we’re all a little [more] relaxed, even the coaches.’

Simmons and the Nets will travel to Memphis next to play Grizzlies on Monday.