The Portland Trailblazers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 136-131, in what could’ve been considered the most thrilling showdown in the NBA’s Monday slate. Anfernee Simons scored a career-high 43 points and handed out seven assists, dedicating the performance to his recently passed grandfather. Simons shot 9-16 from deep, making half of Portlands 18 three-pointers by himself.
So far, the Blazers point guard is having a breakout season, posting career-high numbers nearly across the board. Simons is shooting 39.0 percent from the three-point line while averaging a career-high 12.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Simmons is coming along as an x-factor for the Blazers, displaying dynamic offensive skills and flashes of an iso-threat with the ball.
“I really can’t take credit for how well I played tonight,” an emotional Simons said per CBS Sports. “I was just going out there and playing my game. I got a couple of shots to go in. Like I said, I really can’t take it today. Sadly, my grandpa died yesterday of cancer. It’s all him, honestly. I give credit to him. I dedicated this whole game to him. Like I said, I can’t take credit tonight. It was all him.”
With the win against Atlanta, Portland has snapped their four-game losing streak, advancing them to 14-22 this season. The Blazers are currently ranked 12th in the Western Conference and are still out of the final play-in spot by only one game. The Hawks are in a similar position at 16-20, ranked at 12th in the East and are on the outside looking in for Eastern Conference play-in spots.
