Kevin Durant on Ben Simmons' clutch free throws: "That was key for us, we needed those"

Kevin Durant was pretty happy following Ben Simmons' best performance of the season on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Simmons also hit several free throws in the fourth quarter to help the Brooklyn Nets win their seventh game of the season.

In a postgame interview, Durant was asked about Simmons' clutch free throws. The Blazers intentionally fouled Simmons twice with under five minutes left in the game. The Australian star was calm under pressure, making three out of his four attempts from the charity stripe.

"I felt super confident when he went up there," Durant said. "3-for-4, crunch time like that, that was key for us, we needed those. ... He shot them like he's confident and he ran back down court like he knew it was going in."

Ben Simmons finished the game with 15 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists while going 6-for-6 from the field. It was easily Simmons' best game in a Brooklyn Nets uniform. Head coach Jacque Vaughn also praised his ability to guard multiple positions.

"Kind of what we envisioned him doing everything for us," Vaughn said. "The defensive versatility of guarding (Jusuf) Nurkic and also Damian Lillard. A lot of people can't do that. And we can continue to grow with him and understand him, his game, how he benefits, with who. It's very encouraging."

Kevin Durant was still the main man for the Nets, with 35 points, eight rebounds and three assists in the 109-107 win. Royce O'Neal nabbed a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Yuta Watanabe was also huge off the bench, scoring 20 points and grabbing seven boards.

Meanwhile, Damian Lillard had 25 points and 11 assists for the Trail Blazers. Anfernee Simons added 24 points, while Shaedon Sharpe scored 20 points off the bench.

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Ben Simmons' huge game came after report about 'passion' for basketball

Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets

Ben Simmons' amazing performance on Thursday came on the heels of a report questioning his passion for basketball. Simmons had already refuted the report, but made a statement with his game.

"I love the game," Simmons said. "Do I like all the bullsh*t around it? No, but I love the game and it comes with it. A lot of things come with being in this position, but it is what it is. I love playing basketball and I love to work."

Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported earlier this week that there was growing frustration within the Brooklyn Nets. Some were rumored to be questioning Simmons' passion for the game. The three-time All-Star has a history of people doubting his love for basketball, from his time at LSU to his stint with the Philadelphia 76ers.