Nets’ Ben Simmons ejected after controversial call

PHOENIX — On a crazy night for the Nets, one scene encapsulated their frustration better than words.

Ben Simmons was whistled for his fifth foul on a moving pick, which multiple veteran scouts agreed was suspicious. ended with

The Nets lost 117-112 before 17,071 at Footprint Center.

“I think you call the game that way, but you have to be consistent. I think it’s been that way all year,” Simmons said. “If you call this a moving pick, I think you have to be consistent on both sides. Same with holdings.”

With the Nets losing 73-55 and the clock showing 8:47 left in the third quarter, the contest was long over.

“Stiff. I’m going to get physical,” Simmons said. “I’m a 6-foot-10 guy who likes to guard certain players. I don’t want to tone it down.

“I’m 6 to 10, 240 and I’m protecting them. That’s the reality. Obviously there are certain calls you have to make, but … I don’t know.”

The Nets allowed 41 free throws and took just 25. This was an ongoing issue, with one Jack Vaughan pointing out a poor defensive position to start plays.

Kyrie Irving is back after missing a game with a sore right calf. He didn’t need an MRI, and both he and the Nets downplayed the injury.

“I’m just trying to take care of my body long term,” Irving said. He also missed the Nets’ win over the Warriors with a similar injury, but it’s not a persistent or recurring problem. “I take care of my body in the long term. That’s all.”

Vaughn said that Irving only hears the voice of his own body and the team only hears the Starguard’s voice.

“An athlete comes up to you and says they’re not up to par and you listen to him whether it was Joe (Harris) at some point this season, whether it was Ben ( Simmons) or not, mostly,” said Vaughan. “Ky reported being a little tight, so we listened. That’s it.”

Kevin Durant (MCL right sprain) was on G League duty alongside David Duke Jr., Kessler Edwards and Dol Smith.

Chris Paul didn’t play for Phoenix after suspecting right hip pain.

Cameron Johnson is back from a torn right meniscus after missing 37 straight games. He scored 19 points and went 6-of-9 from the Deep.

But Devin Booker (left groin strain), Landry Shamet (sore right leg), Cameron Payne (sprained right leg), Josh Okogee (broken nose) and Jae Crowder all made it to Phoenix. Did.