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PHOENIX — On a particularly frustrating evening for the Nets, one scene expressed their anguish better than any words could.
Ben Simmons received his fifth foul for a questionable moving pick, which was deemed questionable by numerous veteran scouts, and subsequently received a technical foul from the bench. Seconds later, he was dismissed, ending his night with seven points and six assists against the Suns.
The Nets ultimately lost 117-112 in front of 17,073 spectators at Footprint Center.
“If that’s how you’re going to call the game, you must be consistent. Simmons stated, “I believe it’s been like this all year long.” “If you’re going to call it a moving pick, I believe both ends must be consistent. Identical to the holding.”
The Nets trailed 73-55 with 8:47 remaining in the third quarter, but the game was already lost.
“It’s not easy. Simmons stated, “I intend to be physically aggressive.” “I am a 6-foot-10 man who enjoys guarding particular men. I will use physical force. I will not tone it down because the officials do not want to witness physicality.
Ben Simmons leaves the court after being tossed from the Nets’ 117-112 loss against the Suns in the third quarter.
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“I’m 6’10 and 240 pounds, and I’m guarding these men. What it is, it is. Obviously, there will be certain calls you must make, but… I’m not sure.”
The Nets allowed 41 free throws while attempting only 25. It has been a persistent problem, which Jacque Vaughn attributes to poor defensive stance to begin plays.
Kyrie Irving returned from a one-game absence due to tightness in his right calf. He did not require an MRI, and neither he nor the Nets took the injury seriously.
“Trying to take care of my body for the long haul,” stated Irving. He missed the Nets’ victory over the Warriors due to a similar injury, although he claimed it was not a persistent or recurring issue. “Taking care of my physique for the foreseeable future. “That’s it.”
Vaughn stated that Irving was simply listening to his body, and the team was simply listening to their star point guard.
“It’s basically when an athlete tells you they’re not feeling well and you listen to him, whether it was Joe Harris at one point this season or Ben Simmons with the late scratch,” said Vaughn. “Ky just mentioned tightness, and we listened. “That’s all”
Kevin Durant (right MCL sprain) and David Duke Jr., Kesler Edwards, and Dru Smith were all assigned to the G League.
Chris Paul did not play for Phoenix after being listed as questionable with a strained right hip.
Cameron Johnson returned after missing 37 consecutive games due to a torn right meniscus. He scored 19 points and made 6 of 9 from long range.
Phoenix was without Devin Booker (left groin strain), Landry Shamet (right foot soreness), Cameron Payne (right foot sprain), Josh Okogie (broken nose), and Jae Crowder.
»Ben Simmons of the Nets was dismissed for a questionable call«