NBA: Ben Simmons dishes epic assist as Aussie star makes stunning return from injury

It’s been a disastrous few years for Ben Simmons in the NBA, but the Aussie star showed he’s still a beast as he finished just short of a triple-double in his return from injury.

Ben Simmons has shown no signs of rust in his NBA return as he filled the stats sheet in a dominant first half against the Jazz. Picture: Sarah Stier / Getty Images North America

Australia’s chances of winning a medal at the Paris Olympics will hinge on Ben Simmons’ health and availability, but the early signs are encouraging after the Nets star made a stunning return to the NBA, going close to a triple-double against Utah in his first game back from injury.

Simmons had only featured in six matches this season and hadn’t played since the November 7 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks due to a lower back nerve impingement but was outstanding as Brooklyn blew out the Jazz 147-114 with their highest score of the season.

Ben Simmons had a monster game in his first game back from injury. Picture: Sarah Stier / Getty Images North America

Having missed almost three months, Simmons returned with a bang, finishing with 10 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds – five of them offensive boards – to go with a steal and a block.

The former Rookie of the Year has endured a difficult few seasons in the league, with Simmons averaging a career low 6.5 points per game this season, although he has cracked more than 10 rebounds per game for the first time in his career.

But he showed no signs of rust against the Jazz, with the three-time All Star coming off the bench and making an immediate impact with an assist for a Royce O’Neal three after six seconds on the court.

Ben Simmons has 5 AST in 4 minutes in his return!

Nets-Jazz | Live on NBA App
📲 https://t.co/Yz4mCW5eCtpic.twitter.com/S9ZjSEqQjr

— NBA (@NBA) January 30, 2024

He then pulled down an offensive rebound to set up Cam Thomas for another three on Brooklyn’s next possession, while a no-look pass for an easy bucket had social media in a spin as he racked up six assists and two rebounds in five minutes in the first quarter.

In doing so, he became the first Nets player to have six or more assists off the bench in the first quarter since 1996/97.

Simmons finished with six rebounds and seven assists in nine minutes in the first half as the Nets opened up a commanding 71-57 lead at the main break.

What a play by Ben Simmons 🔒 pic.twitter.com/7rU8vjLDQb

— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) January 30, 2024

The Nets are 11th in the East but should ease their way into the play-in tournament if Simmons remains healthy, with the Aussie guard finishing the half with two points after he tipped in a teammate’s miss.

He made all five of his shot attempts on Tuesday (AEST), with the Nets outscoring the Jazz by 27 when he was on the court.

It’s a great sign for Boomers fans ahead of the Olympics, with Simmons indicating last year that he was committed to representing Australia in Paris.

It sets up a potentially spicy showdown with his former side the 76ers on Sunday morning.