“Biggest steal of the season”- NBA Fans react as Ben Simmons delivers impressive debut performance in Clippers’ OT win over Jazz

Ben Simmons had an impressive debut for the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, Feb. 13. The Clippers extended their winning run to three matches and took down the Jazz 120-116 in an overtime win. It was the re-rematch of their previous win on Saturday, Feb. 8, where they had recorded a 130-110 victory. 

Thursday night saw Simmons making his debut for the Clippers, and had a remarkable first outing for his new team.

Simmons, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, was waived by the Nets earlier, and moved to the Clippers after agreeing to a contract buyout.  

The three-time NBA All-Star has had a tough battle with injuries throughout his career. Ben moved to the Nets from the Sixers during the 2022 trade deadline. However, he wasn’t able to play for the side that season with a back injury. 

His injury problems stayed persistent and he could play only 15 games last season. This season, Simons was featured in 33 games of the Nets, where he averaged at 6.2 points and 6.9 assists. 

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Fans react to Ben Simmons’ debut performance for the Clippers

The Thursday night game saw Simmons leaving fans and pundits surprised with his 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists in 27 minutes of gameplay off the bench. The Australian shot four-of-five from the field and 4-of-4 from the free throw line and helped the Clippers avoid a road upset against the Jazz. 

Not only this, but he also joined the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Blake Griffin as the only LA Clippers in the last 20 years to have at least 12 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in under 30 minutes in a game.

Fans were quick to react to his debut performance for the new side on social media. Let us take a look at some of the best reactions to his notable debut. 

Another user wrote, “There’s a real level of competence that the clippers acquired in bogi and ben simmons.”

One user (@FeelLikeDrew) wrote, “Ben Simmons completely changes this offense, his rim pressure and playmaking opens up the game for everybody else”

However, another hoped for Ben’s best health this year and wrote, “basketball gods please let ben simmons be healthy all year man”

An X account (@Clippers_AU) wrote, “Ben Simmons biggest steal of the season.”

One fan added, “I’m still in disbelief about that Ben Simmons performance, just in awe man”

Apart from him, the game saw Norman Powell deliver a season-high performance of 41 points. James Harden finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. 

On the Jazz side, Kyle Filipowski scored career-high 20 points and 10 rebounds while Lauri Markkanen chipped in 20 points. 

The Clippers will aim to register their fourth win in a row during their next matchup against the Bucks on Thursday, Feb. 20.