Following Tuesday night's 118-110 loss to the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has officially played the same number of games since returning from his nearly three-month-long, injury-induced absence as he had registered prior to sustaining his back ailment in early November.
Though on a minutes restriction, the point guard told reporters post-game that he's starting to feel better and more confident with his body when on the floor.
Ben Simmons talks health status following Nets loss to Celtics
"Definitely [feel more comfortable]. I'm getting there. It's just ups and downs each day but I'm staying on the path."Ben Simmons
Simmons was also asked what his plans are during the upcoming All-Star break and if he'll be "taking on more training and working on your body." In response, the veteran acknowledged that that's always on his agenda, though also suggested that rest and relaxation are keys to recovery.
"It's always filled with that but a little bit of sun too. A little bit of both. Just trying to get my body right. Stay on top of it and then come back and push for the end of the season."Ben Simmons
Simmons would continue by stating that while he feels good, he's still unsure if the medical staff will pull his minutes restriction after the break, which could serve as a roadblock in his plans to try and "get back" to the player he was before the injury.
TOO SMOOTH @BenSimmons25 pic.twitter.com/vB8a79yBbm
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 11, 2024
Since making his way back to the Nets lineup on January 29, the 27-year-old has proven to be quite effective in limited action, as he's posted 7.2 points, 6.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals on 67.9 percent shooting from the floor in just 19.6 minutes a game.
In order for Brooklyn to have a shot at making a run for the Play-In Tournament during this second half of the season, they're going to need Simmons to tap back into his perennial All-Star level of production and the key to making this happen is by getting him to a level of health where he can shed any time restrictions that currently apply.