While Josh Giddey is Australia’s rising basketball star, Ben Simmons reminded his compatriot what he can do.

Simmons flirted with a triple-double in the Aussies’ first-ever NBA meeting on Saturday in the Brooklyn Nets’ 120-112 home win over the Chicago Bulls (all times AEDT).

Simmons scored eight points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and two blocks in just 25 minutes, with his flashy passing on full display in his best performance this season.

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Giddey had 11 points on an inefficient 5-for-17 shooting from the field, but added six rebounds, eight assists and two steals.

It was only the second time this season that Giddey failed to hit a three-pointer, despite averaging a career-best two per game at a 58 percent clip entering the game.

Cam Thomas was the real hero for Brooklyn and got hot in the crunch time. Thomas scored 10 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter – including hitting a 3-pointer from the logo – as the Nets closed the game on a 24-16 run to claim the win and improve to 3-3.

Simmons was also crucial in Brooklyn’s fourth-quarter comeback. He made a beautiful bounce pass to Ziaire Williams through traffic for his 11th assist as the Nets took back a 100-98 lead with 8:56 remaining.

“The vision of Ben Simmons on display, Ben Simmons locked up,” said Ian Eagle of Yes Network.

Sarah Kustok added during the broadcast: “What a pass, Simmons sees it from the middle of the court.”

Simmons left the game shortly afterwards and did not return as the Nets opted for a conservative approach to the Australian due to his persistent back problems.

Chicago also now sits at 3-3 after the first of three meetings between these teams this season.

MORE TO COME.