Oct 19, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks to head coach Steve Nash during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets’ 2022-23 campaign did not get off to a great start, as they were blown out by the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Brooklyn Nets had quite the offseason. There was discussion of Kyrie Irving opting out of his contract, and Kevin Durant demanding a trade to a new team. Despite that, both stars have returned for the 2022-23 season. The Nets opened up the season at home against the New Orleans Pelicans. This was also the first time that fans would see Ben Simmons play for Brooklyn.
It was a game to forget for the Nets, as they were blown out 130-108 to open up their season. Kevin Durant led the way for Brooklyn significantly with 32 points scored (11-of-21 from field). As for Simmons, he scored just four points in his Nets debut before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, New Orleans’ trio of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum all scored 20+ points each.
Safe to say, NBA Twitter had some fun mocking the Nets and Simmons for losing their season opener in convincing fashion.
NBA Twitter trolls Nets for getting blown out by Pelicans, Ben Simmons for fouling out
The Brooklyn Nets really thought Ben Simmons was their final piece to the puzzle. 😭😭😭
— TatumMuse (@TatumMuse0) October 20, 2022
3 minutes later, Ben Simmons has fouled out.
Pelicans 106 Nets 83, 4th Quarter.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 20, 2022
Simmons did not put up many points because, well, he did not attempt many shot. The former Philadelphia 76ers first-round draft pick had three shot attempts in the game, and he made two of them. Meanwhile, Simmons recorded six fouls, five rebounds, five assists, three turnovers, and a plus/minus of -26.
Kyrie Irving did struggle shooting the basketball in Brooklyn, scoring just 15 points while making just 6-of-19 field goal attempts.
Ingram led the way for the Pelicans with 28 points scored (10-for-17 from field).
Williamson shined in his first game back since 2021, scoring 25 points (11-for-22 from field), grabbing nine rebounds, recorded four steals, and dished out three assists.
The Nets will look to get their first win of the season on Friday, Oct. 21, when they host the Toronto Raptors.
