NBA Fans React to Ben Simmons' Return to Brooklyn

LA Clippers guard Ben Simmons did not receive a welcome return to Brooklyn

Mar 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) reaches for a pass in front of Brooklyn Nets forward Drew Timme (26) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Clippers moved on to the second half of their New York road trip, matching up against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.

While the game was viewed as a must-win game for the Clippers in terms of standings, it was also Ben Simmons's return to Brooklyn for the first time since being bought out.

Backed by dominant second and third quarters, the Clippers left Brooklyn with a 132-100 win over the Nets. Led by strong performances from Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers stayed ahead of the Warriors due to their tiebreaker. As for Simmons, he received a very unwelcomed return to Brooklyn.

Ben Simmons encouraging the Boos from Nets fans as he checks into the game. #Netsworld pic.twitter.com/mVEIIzrBCi

— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) March 29, 2025

Playing into it, Simmons was seen encouraging the boos from the Nets crowd during the game. With a career in Brooklyn that only lasted 90 games, Simmons didn't even look like the same player in Brooklyn that he was in Philadelphia.

Seeing this reaction from Simmons, fans took to social media to share their reactions to the boos and Simmons in general.

The Nets did not show a thank you graphic on the jumbotron for Ben Simmons as they have for other returning players.

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) March 29, 2025

As shared by ClutchPoints reporter Erik Slater, the Nets did not show a thank you graphic for Simmons on his return. It shouldn't come as a surprise, as Simmons' time in Brooklyn was highlighted by injuries and underwhelming play.

Ben Simmons checks in to a mix of boos and cheers.

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) March 29, 2025

However, Simmons also received not just boos but some cheers from the Brooklyn crowd when he was checking into the game.

Brooklyn fans just booed Ben Simmons. (Thankfully, no video tribute. Enough is enough.)

— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) March 29, 2025

Simmons finished the win against the Nets with three assists, three rebounds, and no points in 17 minutes of action. While Nets fans shared mixed emotions on Simmons' return, he walked away with the win and looks to make his return to postseason basketball.

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