Ben Simmons finished the loss with four points, seven rebounds, five assists and one steal while shooting 2/5 from the field in 25 minutes of playing time. Many NBA fans reacted to his performance. @NetsSage: "Wonder if there’ll ever be an explanation how Ben Simmons went from perennial all-star with limitless potential to washed up at 28?

The Nets are exceeding expectations right now, but what would elevate this team even more would be Simmons' willingness to shoot more. Of course, his ability to find anyone on the floor has been a major part of Brooklyn's offensive success, but imagine what the offense would look like if Simmons was more aggressive in looking to score.

The Nets appear on track to get Dorian Finney-Smith and Ben Simmons back for their first meeting of the season with the Knicks, with Finney-Smith (left ankle sprain) listed as probable and Simmons (left calf tightness) removed from the injury report altogether ahead of Friday’s game,