The game was a thriller, but the Nets lost by a score of 108-104 in overtime. Ben Simmons finished with eight points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal while shooting 4/6 from the field in 27 minutes of playing time.

The Brooklyn Nets announced before Friday's game at the Boston Celtics that Ben Simmons would be coming off the bench for the first time this season.

Ben Simmons will come off the bench for the first time during the 2024-25 season on Friday. Simmons was replaced by center Nic Claxton in the Brooklyn

Nic Claxton returned to the Nets’ starting lineup, seemingly for good, on Friday against the Boston Celtics. That meant Ben Simmons, who had started six games at center this season in place of a limited Claxton, came off the bench for the first time in 2024-25.

Simmons isn't exactly the most well-loved player in the league, which is why it comes as no surprise that the jokes started pouring in on X after the fans learned about the Nets' decision to relegate the 28-year-old to a bench role.

Ben Simmons drops a season-high 12 assists, with 10 in the first half, as the Brooklyn Nets take down the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ben Simmons finished with six points, five rebounds, 12 assists and two steals while shooting 3/5 from the field in 22 minutes of playing time. Many NBA fans reacted to his performance. @PCSportsMedia: "Ben Simmons is wheeling and dealing for the Nets.

Ben Simmons is still getting used to playing with his Nets teammates, and they’re getting used to running with him. But as he settled into his role of leading the second unit, they’re starting to show signs of long-delayed progress.

With Ben Simmons in the final year of his $177 million contract, the Aussie could be a very valuable trade chip.