NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes to the basket as Nic Claxton #33 and Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the first half at Barclays Center on October 19, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Ben Simmons, Nets Mocked by NBA Twitter for Abysmal Season Opening Loss vs. Pelicans

Paul KasabianOct 19, 2022

The Brooklyn Nets opened the 2022-23 season with a disastrous 130-108 home loss to Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

Nets guard Ben Simmons had more fouls (six) than points (four), assists or rebounds (five apiece) in 23 minutes. Kyrie Irving shot just 6-of-19 for nine points.

Meanwhile, the Nets had no answer for Brandon Ingram (team-high 28 points) and Williamson (25 points, nine rebounds, four steals).

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The Pels jumped out to a 32-14 lead after one quarter. The Nets cut the deficit to 58-50 by halftime, but New Orleans broke the game open in the third, took a comfortable 98-78 advantage into the fourth and never looked back from there.

Twitter notably criticized the Nets after their rough performance to start the year.