BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 23: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks up at the scoreboard during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 23, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Kevin Durant Says Ben Simmons Was 'Incredible' in Nets' Win vs. Giannis, Bucks

Erin WalshDec 24, 2022

Ben Simmons has received plenty of criticism since returning to the court this season, but Kevin Durant was quick to praise his teammate following the Brooklyn Nets' 118-100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

Simmons made a well-rounded impact against the Bucks, finishing with 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

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Friday's game was one of the 26-year-old's better games of the 2022-23 campaign. He's averaging only 8.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists this season while shooting 62.0 percent from the floor.

Simmons' performance moving forward will be vital in Brooklyn's success. The team needs him to continue playing well to climb further up the Eastern Conference standings.

After a shaky start to the season, the Nets are fourth in the East with a 21-12 record. They're only two games back of the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics.