Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons has rediscovered his shooting touch just in time for his homecoming Thursday in Orlando, Florida.
On Tuesday night, Simons shook off one of his worst scoring stretches to lead the Blazers with 24 points during a 116-107 win at the Miami Heat.
That number matched his scoring production during last week’s three losses to the Brooklyn Nets (11 points), LA Clippers (zero points) and Houston Rockets (13 points).
During those three games, Simons shot 3 of 21 from the field and 2 of 11 from three-point range. Adding injury to his disappointment, Simons left the Rockets loss with an injured right elbow that caused him to miss Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bulls.
A couple of days off did Simons well.
Simons, who began the night averaging 18 points and 4.9 assists per game, came out hot, making all four shot attempts in the first quarter for 11 points. By halftime, Simons had 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting while hitting 5 of 7 three-pointers.
He ended the night 9 of 20 from the field, including 6 of 12 from beyond the arc.
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said Simons did a great job adjusting to the Heat’s zone defense.
“They play more zone than anybody in the league,” Billups told reporters at the Kaseya Center. “So, we had a plan for it.”
Billups encouraged Simons to attack whatever defensive look the Heat presented.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons falls to the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) APAP
“One thing a zone is designed to do is make you passive,” Billups said. “And whether we make shots or not, just stay aggressive the entire time. If we’re shooting the type of shots that we value, who cares if we miss them? So what? We’re doing what we’re supposed to do.”
In the fourth quarter, Simons landed awkwardly on his back. He left the game for a few minutes before returning to score some key points to help fend off a Heat comeback bid.
The Blazers are now 9-9 when Simons surpasses 20 points and 3-18 when he does not.
The Blazers (15-28) continue their three-game trip Thursday at the Magic (23-22). Simons grew up in Orlando.
— Aaron Fentress | [email protected] | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)
