On a night where Trae Young could have easily stolen the headlines with an NBA best 56-points – it was Anfernee Simons who shined brightest during the Trail Blazers’ 136-131 victory over the Hawks, Monday. The young guard put up a career high 43-points, playing through his grief over his grandfather's death just the night before. "I came in with a heavy heart, but obviously a clear mind for what I needed to do," Simons told Brooke Olzendam after the game.
“I knew kind of in the back of my mind that it was going to be a great night,” he went on to say. “ I knew it was going to be a great night because he’s there. My Papa was there to help me along the way.”
It was just another moment that put Ant’s potential on display. With both CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard on the bench of Monday’s game, the up and coming guard was able to lead Portland out of a dark, four-game losing streak. Also consider that Simons tested positive for COVID-19 this week and was forced to miss a game.
Portland entered Monday’s game in desperation. They needed this win. Sitting at 12th in the Western Conference and not much hope in sight, Anfernee’s performance was an uplifting highnote, among a season of turmoil.
“I really can’t take credit for how I played tonight... Sadly my grandpa died last night from cancer,” Simons said in the postgame. “ This is all him, honestly. I give credit to him, dedicated this whole game to him.”