Kyrie Irving demands more consistency from Ben Simmons after solid outing against Sixers: "We're seeing flashes"
Kyrie Irving is impressed with Ben Simmons for showing his potential in flashes but needs him to be more consistent. Simmons has had an up-and-down stint with the Brooklyn Nets this season.
There are stretches where he looks aggressive, but his pass-first mentality has hampered his impact. Simmons' inconsistency showed up during the Nets' 137-133 loss against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, on Wednesday (Jan. 25). Simmons didn't get on the scoresheet in the first half but had 12 in the third before being benched for the entirety of the fourth quarter.
Here's what Irving had to say about Simmons' playing to his potential in the opening 12 minutes of the second half (via Matt Brooks):
"We're seeing flashes. We're all seeing flashes and we just want him to keep it up."
Kyrie Irving on Ben Simmons: "We're seeing flashes. We're all seeing flashes and we just want him to keep it up."
The Brooklyn Nets looked lethal in the third quarter when Ben Simmons erupted for 10 points in the third. That reduced the pressure on Kyrie Irving to a great extent. The Nets need exactly that from Simmons, especially in the absence of Kevin Durant, who is expected to be out until before the All-Star break.
Brooklyn Nets succumb to another loss with Kyrie Irving not getting the ideal support in KD's absence
The Brooklyn Nets have dropped to a 2-5 record in Kevin Durant's absence. After struggling for the first couple of games in KD's absence, Irving bounced back and performed to his potential. But that hasn't been enough for the Nets to win games.
Brooklyn desperately needs a consistent threat alongside Kyrie on offense. Durant's absence is certainly a huge void to fill, but with a collective effort, the Nets could do better.
It starts with Ben Simmons. The three-time All-Star was a capable 15-point-per-game scorer during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. Since joining the Nets, Simmons has averaged only 7.5 points per game on 6.5 attempts, both career lows for the defensive specialist.
Ben Simmons has rarely had double-digit scoring games. He has looked more hesitant in shooting the ball, even while attacking the lane, which could pose an issue for Brooklyn.
It's already caused them enough trouble in Durant's absence and will only hurt them further in the playoffs. If Simmons starts to score consistently, the Nets' offense will look as dynamic as ever.
Kyrie Irving and the Nets will be hoping a 12-point outing against the Sixers helps Ben Simmons regain some confidence ahead of a crucial stretch entering the All-Star break.