'Staggering to watch': Ben Simmons grilled over bizarre botched play as Nets defeat Bucks

Ben Simmons came up with a bizarre error as the Nets got the job done over the Bucks.

The 28-year-old finished with six rebounds, six assists and two points in Brooklyn's 115-102 victory against Milwaukee, but one moment left many scratching their heads.

During the fourth quarter, Simmons and teammate Cameron Johnson had a two-on-one overlap and a golden opportunity to score, but the Aussie failed to capitalise.

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Instead of driving to the rim, Simmons passed it to Johnson, who immediately gave it back and led directly to a turnover.

"He has to go to the basket on that," Sarah Kustok said on Yes Network.

Fellow commentator Ryan Ruocco claimed that Simmons' reluctance to go to the rim was "staggering to watch" and likely comes down to a fear of being fouled.

Simmons was pinged twice in the opening five minutes on Monday (AEST).

The result in Brooklyn's home opener gave coach Jordi Fernandez his first victory, with the Nets pulling away in the fourth quarter after opening with two road losses.

Cam Thomas scored 32 points, while Dennis Schroder had six assists and 29 points.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Bucks, who have dropped two straight after winning their opener.

Damian Lillard scored 21 points and Bobby Portis Jr. finished with 16 for the game.