Another day, another reason for Ben Simmons’ name to appear on the Nets’ injury report.
He is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game between the Nets and Grizzlies due to a left lumbar nerve impingement.
Simmons missed three consecutive games, albeit for different reasons.
He missed the Nets’ last two games, back-to-back wins over the Hawks, because of soreness in his left foot.
Prior to that, he did not play in the Nets’ loss to the Magic, which was described as rest and maintenance since he has not yet been cleared to play in back-to-back games.
He was in the win over the Grizzlies the night before.
The Nets announced that Simmons’ leg pain was due to a back collision.
Simmons, who has played in just 15 games this year, missed more than two months with the same back injury earlier this season.
However, he has not been listed since returning in late January due to a back injury.
Cam Thomas, who has missed three straight games with a sprained right ankle, was ruled out of Monday’s game.
The Nets chose the perfect time to set up their defense.
Perhaps that would have saved their season.
A dramatic defensive turnaround led to a 114-102 victory over the Hawks on Saturday, bringing them within two games of the 10th seed in the East and the final play-in spot.
The Nets were crushed in the first half, allowing 62 points on 53.3 percent shooting from the field and 45.5 percent from behind the basket. They quickly found themselves trailing by 13 points.
But whatever interim coach Kevin Ollie said at halftime resonated.
The Nets allowed just 40 points in the second half on 30.9 percent shooting from the field. They improved dramatically in 3-point defense, holding the Hawks to just 1-of-12 shooting from behind the arc.
“We stopped letting them catch and shoot 3s,” O’Ree said after the game. “I think we were able to really emphasize that point. Being right there when they catch the ball, letting them drive, and understanding that we have to pursue the drive, but I We got Nick.” [Claxton] Go back there. And Nick – he was a monster. He blocked shots and grabbed rebounds while on the ground. I mean, he did everything over there.”
Claxton had 12 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals.
His rim protection gives his teammates the confidence to be aggressive and take down shooters, knowing he’s waiting in the paint to help them off the dribble.
“We got our energy back,” Claxton said. “They were scoring so many points, especially at the beginning of the game, so it was just a collective effort from everyone. I think they locked in and started at the point of attack with their guards. Going full court. So, we really got more intense.”
The Nets are likely to avoid playing Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., who is listed as doubtful due to right quadriceps tendonitis.
