After logging his fewest minutes of the season (12), Anfernee Simons responded with one of his best overall performances of the season. After scoring zero points and only tallying two assists in the Celtics’ win over the Clippers on Sunday, Simons came out firing against Brooklyn as he finished the first half with 11 PTS, 5 AST, 3 REB, while shooting 75% from the field. If Sunday was frustrating, tonight was the response.
A Sharp, Focused Performance
From the time Simons first entered the game, he played
like someone determined to reassert his value in the rotation. He had 3 PTS, 3 AST, 2 REB in his first seven minutes of action — a noticeable shift in his performance on Sunday, and he continued his hot start into the second quarter as he played the entirety of the quarter.
He pushed the pace, kept the ball moving, and picked his spots offensively without forcing anything. He had a season-high five assists and took only four shots and they were efficient shots the defense gave him.
This wasn’t a heat-check night or a “prove I deserve minutes” performance. It was a winning performance. It was precisely the kind of night that reminds you why Boston wanted Simons in the first place.
The Response Boston Needed
Sunday’s short stint sparked questions about how Simons fits into the rotation, with some fans questioning his confidence and his adjustment to his new role as sixth man. But a response like this is exactly why the Celtics wanted Simons this summer and why they think he can still be a major contributor to this team.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla weighed in after the game, saying, “I thought Ant was more aggressive tonight.” That aggression was clear from the moment Simons entered the game as he took what the defense gave him, found his teammates for open looks, and led the Celtics in overcoming the early ten-point deficit and taking the lead by halftime. Mazzulla’s observation underscores the importance of consistency and rhythm in Simons’ new role. As he gets more comfortable in his role as sixth man, that assertiveness could translate into more high-impact minutes, especially in close games where Boston might need reliable scoring and playmaking off the bench.
Finding His Footing in a New Role
After three straight seasons as a starter, shifting to a bench role for this Celtics team is a real transition. In rhythm, in usage, in expectations, in how and when he’s asked to impact the game. That kind of adjustment doesn’t happen overnight.
Boston knows he needs time to settle in and adjust to his new role, and nights like tonight show he’s moving in the right direction both as a scorer and a distributor. On a team fighting to stay in the mix, the Celtics are going to need Simons down the stretch, and with time, consistent scoring/minutes, and an increased role as a distributor, he should blossom into his role as sixth man.
