Kevin Durant weighs in on Ben Simmons' big performance versus Grizzlies

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Kevin Durant didn't want to sound too excited about Ben Simmons' great performance versus the Memphis Grizzlies as Durant simply stated that he expects great performance from the former first overall pick. On Sunday, Simmons had his best performance of the season as he posted 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the Brooklyn Nets' 127-115 win over the Grizzlies.

Last week, Simmons had a few very positive performances, which is suggesting that he is trending in the right direction. "I expect this from Ben. So when he plays well, I'm not going to get excited about it," Durant said of Simmons.

Durant expects great games from Simmons

Simmons has now had back-to-back great performances. Last Thursday, Simmons came up big in the key moments of the Nets' 109-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. "I'm just staying focused.

I'm taking it day by day. That's honestly what it is. I've got to take it day by day. Me personally, if I start reading everything that's going on and getting psyched out, that's not good for me. So for me, I just want to stay focused, take it day by day, and I keep saying it but that's what it is for me.

Just keep building on good days and staying locked in," Simmons explained. On Tuesday, the Nets are playing the Philadelphia 76ers on the road. Ahead of his return to Philadelphia, Simmons insisted he has nothing but love for the city where he started his NBA career.

"I was 18 years old coming into Philly, so it's really the only place I've lived as an adult. So I have a lot of love for that city. People don't know that, but a lot of my best friends are from Philadelphia. My brother still lives in Philadelphia.

So regardless of the situation, whatever happened, happened. But I got a lot of love for that city still, so I look forward to going down there and playing," Simmons said.