The Celtics were stuck in the mud to start Thursday’s game against the Heat, finding themselves down 19 points midway through the first quarter. But that all changed when Anfernee Simons put his fingerprints on the game.
It came down to the wire, but the C’s beat the Heat 119-114 in Miami to snap a two-game losing streak. Simons was masterful on his way to a season-high 39 points, making unique history with the Celtics. He entered the history books with the fourth-most points scored by a Celtic coming off the bench. And of those other great scoring nights, only Simons’ came on the road.
“I’ve always said figuring out what the game needs,” Simons told reporters, via CLNS Media. “Each and every game is always going to be different. Tonight was more of like we need you to be aggressive and play how you know how to play. Just happened to be more aggressive and scoring more points.”
The starters didn’t have much juice as the Heat came out swinging and looking to make a statement. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White have been dependable starters, but they fell flat for the most part Thursday. Even Jaylen Brown, despite finishing with 27 points, still had a forgettable first half.
So, Simons stepped up and made shots: He finished 13-for-28 from the field and 7-for-16 on 3-pointers. There were multiple makes that surprised even his own Celtics teammates. But there’s a reason why Simons came to Boston known as a proven scorer from his time with the Trail Blazers.
“That boy can play,” Jaylen Brown said. “He’s probably more talented than the role he’s placed in. I think that’s kind of obvious. But I have hella respect for him to come out and play winning basketball and do what the team needs to do on a night-in and night-out basis. Doesn’t complain. Just brings good energy and just contributes in a positive way.”
It’s been an adjustment period for Simons through the first half of the season. He transitioned into a reserve role after years of being a starter in Portland. But from Day 1 of training camp, Simons never pouted about the change. Instead, he embraced where he needed to get better — looking at the defensive end — while looking to gel with his new teammates.
Simons has played his best basketball of the season in the past few weeks. His scoring draws all the headlines — it’s what he does best. But C’s coach Joe Mazzulla has praised his defense on numerous occasions, and it’s one area Simons has improved. It’s unclear what his future holds considering he’s an expiring contract with the February trade deadline creeping closer. But what is clear is that Simons continues to have a massive impact for the Celtics.
“Just being coachable,” Simons said. “Having some humility on the things that you need to get better at. Just accepting the role. Try to be the best version of you at it. It’s got its ups and downs. But for the most part, I’m learning each and every game. Just going with the flow.”
