Anfernee Simons Drops 43, Dedicates Outing To Late Grandfather

Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, NBA News
NBA Analysis Network

The Portland Trail Blazers managed to defeat the Atlanta Hawks in a thrilling 136-131 showdown during the NBA’s Monday slate. Trae Young did his best to lead the Hawks to victory with 56 points and 14 assists but Anfernee Simons’ 43-point outburst helped the Blazers to finish on top.

Without either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum in the lineup, the Trail Blazers needed a lot of players to step up. Simmons answered the call, to say the least. He knocked down a staggering 9-of-16 (56.3%) attempts from beyond the arc—setting a new career-high and accounting for half of Portland’s 18 makes from deep.

Simons entered the matchup with a ‘heavy heart’ as he described it following the passing of his grandfather on Sunday, who had been battling pancreatic cancer. Simons dedicated his performance to his late grandfather.

“I came in with a heavy heart, but obviously a clear mind for what I needed to do,” Simons said. “This is all him, honestly. Give credit to him, dedicated this whole game to him.”

LATEST NBA NEWS: Could Phoenix Suns Trade For Blazers’ Robert Covington?

It has been an impressive season for Anfernee Simons, who is averaging a career-high 12.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 39.0% from beyond the arc. The 22-year-old is in his fourth season with the Trail Blazers and has been developing as part of their rotation since 2019-20.

Simons displayed some intriguing flashes as a pull-up shooter using ball screens along with coming up big on a few isolation possessions. The shot creation flashes he displayed should give Portland real confidence in what he can develop into as a player, but also shows that he’s ready for more opportunity.

LATEST NBA NEWS: Could Phoenix Suns Trade For Blazers’ Robert Covington?

The Portland Trail Blazers snapped a four-game losing streak with the victory and improved to 14-22 on the season. They are gradually approaching the final play-in spot in the Western Conference standings as they rank 12th but are out of the spot by just one game.

D’Angelo Russell Reveals Bold Stance on Re-Signing with Lakers

D’Angelo Russell has emerged as a linchpin for a Los Angeles Lakers squad lacking shot creation beyond a veteran player. Averaging 18.2 points with a

New York Knicks: 3 Players to Watch in the East Region for the Sweet 16

As the New York Knicks prepare for their playoff push, here are three prospects to watch in the Sweet 16 in the East Region for

Josh Hart Has Set Knicks Record With Production

There are a lot of people who are responsible for the New York Knicks having as successful of a 2023-24 NBA season as they have