Ben Simmons Returns to Playoffs as Clippers Face Nuggets in Game 1

SACRAMENTO, California — After a long absence, Ben Simmons finally returned to the NBA playoffs on Saturday, suiting up for the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets. This marks the first time Simmons has played in the postseason since the 2020-2021 season when he was an All-Star with the Philadelphia 76ers.

In game one of the series, Simmons entered the contest in the first half, generating excitement among fans on social media. Comments varied from disbelief at seeing him play playoff basketball again to praise for his contributions on the floor.

“Is that Ben Simmons I see on my TV screen partaking in playoff basketball?” one fan tweeted, while another remarked, “Ben Simmons has been really good man, the extra passing and pace goes a long way.”

During his six minutes on the court, Simmons tallied two assists, two rebounds, and a block, finishing with a plus-nine rating. Despite his notorious hesitance to shoot, his playmaking ability highlighted a positive impact on the game. “He was effective in the limited time he had,” noted one analyst during the game coverage.

This return comes after a tumultuous period for Simmons. Following a disappointing end to the Sixers’ playoff run against the Atlanta Hawks in 2021, where his struggles at the free-throw line garnered heavy criticism, Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. After reaching a buyout agreement with Brooklyn earlier this year, Simmons signed with the Clippers, embracing a backup role.

The matchup against the Nuggets features the fourth-seeded team facing the fifth-seeded Clippers, with both teams hoping to grab an early advantage in the playoffs. The Nuggets entered the game as the higher seed and aimed to capitalize on their home court.

Projected starters for the Nuggets include Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic, while the Clippers counter with James Harden, Norman Powell, Kris Dunn, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac.

As the series unfolds, one key area of concern for the Clippers will be Simmons’ ability to defend Jokic, the two-time MVP known for his versatile offensive skills. Head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of defense, particularly when it comes to containing star players like Jokic.

“We’re going to need everyone on board defensively to win this series,” Lue stated in his pregame remarks.

Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac has emerged as a crucial player for the Clippers this season, capitalizing on scoring opportunities and making significant contributions to their defense. His performance could prove vital as the Clippers attempt to advance past the Nuggets.

Furthermore, the competition between Michael Porter Jr. and Norman Powell is expected to be another pivotal point during the series. Since March, Powell has averaged 14.4 points per game while Zubac has been contributing 19.9 points per game. If Powell can continue to score effectively, it will add pressure to the Nuggets’ defense.

The stats reflect a competitive edge, with the Clippers’ starting lineup boasting a +9.4 net rating over 584 possessions, in contrast to the Nuggets’ +12.8 net rating across 895 possessions. This balance will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the matchup.

As the playoffs continue, both teams are aware of the stakes. The Nuggets aim to silence doubters about their playoff viability, while the Clippers leverage their playoff experience to secure a spot in the next round. Fans are eagerly watching as the series heightens in intensity.