The positive momentum toward a healthy Ben Simmons carrying the Nets back to relevance lasted one game. Simmons was set to miss Wednesday’s matchup with the Suns at Barclays Center with a left knee contusion, a step back after a long-awaited step forward.
Simmons’ right leg landed atop Horton-Tucker, while his left leg landed hard and awkwardly on the floor.
“This is being done as he has a small irritated spot,” Lee wrote on Twitter, “the thought is by being cautious here with 3 days until the next game this can be put to rest and he can continue to work his way back to 10/10 game shape.”
In his one-game return, Simmons demonstrated how much the team needs him. The Nets played like they rarely had this season, pushing the pace and moving the ball while destroying Utah.
But the reality that his return lasted one game before another setback underscores the durability questions that will surround Simmons until he can regularly appear on the court.