Skip Bayless believes Brooklyn Nets can compete for a championship following win against Memphis: “With Kyrie back, the Nets looked like… A contender”
Skip Bayless believes the Brooklyn Nets can contend following their 127-115 home win over Memphis on Kyrie Irving's return. Ben Simmons played an instrumental role, delivering his best performance of the year. He scored 22 points, grabbed eight boards and dished out five assists, shooting 11-of-13 from the floor.
Bayless noted that the Grizzlies missed their big three of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. but still gave Brooklyn the tag of a contender due to the quality of their performance. Here's what the veteran analyst wrote on Twitter:
"No, there was no Ja nor Bane nor JJackson. But with Kyrie back, the Nets looked like, dare I say, a contender. Ben Simmons made 11 of 13 for 22/8/5. Watanabe, with 3 more threes in the 4th, continues to be a pleasant surprise. KD, Kyrie, Joe Harris, Seth, Royce, Jacque. Hmmm."
The Nets haven't had a successful year thus far. Two games ago, they conceded a franchise-record 153 points in the 153-121 loss against the Kings. However, Brooklyn seems to have turned a corner after that embarrassing result. They beat the Trail Blazers and Grizzlies in their previous two outings, improving to an 8-9 record.
No, there was no Ja nor Bane nor JJackson. But with Kyrie back, the Nets looked like, dare I say, a contender. Ben Simmons made 11 of 13 for 22/8/5. Watanabe, with 3 more threes in the 4th, continues to be a pleasant surprise. KD, Kyrie, Joe Harris, Seth, Royce, Jacque. Hmmm.
The Brooklyn Nets are back at full strength after the return of Kyrie Irving, who was suspended for eight games regarding his remarks about an antisemitic documentary. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons seems to be coming into his own after a rough start. He has scored in double-digits in each of his last three games.
Also read: Kevin Durant on Ben Simmons' clutch free throws: "That was key for us, we needed those"
Brooklyn Nets have the perfect opportunity to test themselves against the Philadelphia 76ers
The Brooklyn Nets will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in their next game. They enter the contest with decent momentum and a healthy roster. Meanwhile, the Sixers enter the game behind three wins in their last four outings.
However, they will be shorthanded, with James Harden and Tyrese Maxey both sidelined. Joel Embiid is in solid form, though. So it will be a tricky game for Kevin Durant and Co.
This game will also mark Ben Simmons' first game at the Wells Fargo Center since the 2021 playoffs. The reception the Nets and Simmons will receive from the Sixers' faithful will be hostile. The team's morale hasn't been as good for most of the year, but that has improved gradually since Jacque Vaughn took charge as the head coach.
Securing a win in that environment would be huge for the Brooklyn Nets from a psychological standpoint, especially after the off-court troubles they underwent last season.
Also read: Charles Barkley warns struggling Ben Simmons about facing a hostile Sixers crowd: "He can't even rub it in their face playing good... Philadelphia don't mess around"