Ben Simmons comeback lasts just one game in brutal reality check

Ben Simmons made an impressive return to the NBA on Tuesday, but fans hoping to watch him on TV will have to wait a bit longer.

Ben Simmons won’t face the Suns after he was ruled out with a knee injury just two days after he made a stunning return to the court. Picture: Sarah Stier / Getty Images North America

Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback has lasted just one game after the Brooklyn Nets confirmed he would miss Thursday’s match with Phoenix due to a “left knee contusion”.

The Aussie guard was originally listed as questionable before he was downgraded to out for the match against Kevin Durant and the Suns that will be shown on ESPN.

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It’s not expected to be a serious injury, but it’s a disappointing setback for Simmons who went close to a triple-double in a sensational return from injury against the Jazz on Tuesday.

Ben Simmons is out for Nets-Suns tonight due to left knee contusion. He returned on Monday after two-month absence, posting 10 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds vs. Utah. Simmons developed swelling in knee from a hit during game, sources say, but tests showed no further issue.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2024

Ben Simmons return https://t.co/vouZSdVqGtpic.twitter.com/HIW0j9GDSt

— DJ (@kingdj_5297) January 31, 2024

Simmons had only featured in six matches before that game 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.

Ben Simmons’ comeback lasted just one game. Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP.

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

It took him just six seconds to register his first assist, while he also dished out a no-look pass and made all five of his shots from the field.

COOKIES & JAM

By @BenSimmons25pic.twitter.com/xzDqr8b4EI

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 30, 2024

“People don’t see the work that goes in behind the scenes,” Simmons said.

“So it took a lot of effort and patience and time to get back to where I’m at now. Every single day, every morning, every day, I’m working to get back on the floor.

“That’s not online. You don’t see that. So for me and everyone that has seen that and seen my discipline over the last two months, it’s great to see it pay off.“

Simmon’ agent, Bernard Lee, suggested the player and team are simply being cautious.

“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.”

Simmons will be further evaluated ahead of a blockbuster showdown against his former side the 76ers on Sunday morning (AEST).