Post-game Thursday, Nets players spoke to the media about how they had wanted to send a message to Philly fans that they supported Ben Simmons who sat with them on the bench, his debut in black-and-white delayed by back issues and reconditioning.
“It’s not an individual thing for us. We all felt it. We’re all there. If you come at Ben, you come at us,” said Kyrie Irving. “Ben’s safe here, he’s good.”
Kevin Durant told the media much the same thing.
“We look at Ben as our brother ... it’s hard for you to chant at Ben Simmons when you’re losing that much,” said Durant.