Anfernee Simons, the one you may remember from being a good offensive player in recent seasons, finally arrived on Saturday night in Houston.
Simons returned to the lineup after missing a week with an illness on Friday and looked. Well he looked like someone who hadn’t played basketball in a week continuing a trend of underwhelming production. The Blazers got thrashed and Simons had a quiet, passive night on hardwood. It was another night where Simons place with the franchise squarely came into question. If he isn’t an offense force, a reliable individual scorer on a team desperate for exactly that skillset, what is he?
Luckily, for all parties involced — team, player, anxious fan — Saturday night was a different story. Simons played a pivotal role in the Blazers’ 104-98 bounce back victory, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership. The Rockets’ shooting cooled off from Friday’s buest, and the Blazers’ defense held strong, allowing them to stay competitive. Simons was instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his 25 points, including five crucial points in the final 75 seconds. His quick drive to the basket and a clutch three-pointer were key in securing the win.
Simons also demonstrated leadership by stepping up for teammate Shaedon Sharpe during a scuffle with Dylan Brooks. His performance was a reminder of his level of production, and seeing him play with a smile, which a he flashed after a bucket midway through the fourth quarter, was a welcome sight for fans.
Saturday was a step in the right direction for Simons and the Blazers. It’s hard to know where the path ultimately leads, but everyone needs more of the version of Simons that lead the Blazers to a fourth quarter victory, regardless of where this finally lands.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Blazers’ weekend games, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
- The impact of Scoot Henderson’s absence and his recent car accident.
- Donovan Clingan’s impressive rebounding performance.
- Deni Avdija’s defensive contributions and versatility.
