Ben Simmons reacts to Philly return / News - Basketnews.com

Ben Simmons reacted to his return to Philadelphia, claiming that he expected a louder atmosphere.

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

For the first time since being traded from the 76ers in February, Ben Simmons made his return to Philadelphia. The Australian guard admitted he expected a more hostile environment.

Player of the Game EFF 28 Paul Reed Points 19 Accuracy 7-9 Rebounds 10 Assists 0

"I thought it was going to be louder," Simmons said after Nets 106-115 loss vs. the 76ers.

Simmons finished the game with 11 points (4/7 2PT, 3/6 FT), 7 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and 3 turnovers.

However, he didn't score a single point and didn't take a shot, registering only two points in the second half.

Simmons received some insulting chants but also had his own moments. The 76ers fans got their moment when Simmons missed both free throws, resulting in free Chick-Fil-A for people inside the arena.

Yet, the Nets point guard didn't seem to be affected.

"I feel like I'm in a good place," Simmons said. "I'm happy. I do what I love. To be out there and having that experience was amazing."

After the game, Simmons hugged 76ers coach Doc River and met with friends and family sitting on the baseline before he headed for the visitors tunnel, receiving another shower of boos.

"I think it's going to be like this forever," Simmons said. "I really don't see it changing."

Meanwhile, head coach Jacque Vaughn was happy with Simmons performance.

"I thought he was in attack mode, he was aggressive, showed a lot of poise through the course of the night," Vaughn said. "The experience to get through and get it behind him, really good."

"Everybody wants to see our team fail," Kevin Durant said. "Nobody likes Ben. Nobody likes Ky. Nobody likes myself."

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