Ben Simmons made his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday evening and helped the team beat the Utah Jazz, 120-116, in overtime.
After a season of disappointing games, Simmons was actually looking quite good during his first Clippers game.
Bleacher Report highlighted Simmons’ total, reminding fans that he scored 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals and went 4-of-5 from the field.
In 27 minutes off the bench, Simmons looked better than he has in a long time.
Has he turned a page and are we about to get vintage Simmons back?
Ben Simmons in his Clippers debut 👀
12 PTS
4-5 FG
8 REB
6 AST
3 STL
27 mins off the bench for the Clips OT win 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WMoYBcJrDt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 14, 2025
Fans online both praised and questioned Simmons’ work during Thursday’s game.
Some people were really happy with what they saw, claiming that Simmons could finally be performing better after months of lackluster play.
Good first showing 💪🏽🏀
— Regemon (@Regemon) February 14, 2025
Better than what I expected 💀
— Ortiz (@OrtizxPR) February 14, 2025
But there were plenty of people who weren’t blown away by one good game, especially with Simmons’ history of injuries.
Can he remain healthy for the rest of the season, or will he get hurt and miss more time?
Nice first game for Ben Simmons with Clips!
He’ll probably play at least 9 more games before being out for season 💀
— JBond (@jbondwagon) February 14, 2025
He will be hurt next week.
— Bos (@Bos423) February 14, 2025
Simmons has participated in 34 games this season and has averaged 6.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists during that time.
A lot of people thought a change of scenery was exactly what Simmons needed to improve his game and play with enthusiasm again.
He’s in Los Angeles now and looked in good shape during Thursday’s game.
But fans will have to see much more than just one or two games before they start believing that Simmons is really back.
If he truly is at 100 percent again, he could provide a huge boost off the bench for the Clippers.
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