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Anfernee Simons emerged from the Portland Trail Blazers’ bench to notch 16 points in 30 minutes on Friday. Thanks to his output and late-game effort, the Blazers secured a much-needed 107-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
After the game, NBC Sports Northwest’s Jamie Hudson highlighted coach Terry Stotts’ praise of the talented third-year guard.
“I was really proud of him, the way he stepped up. He took the challenge… I thought he competed defensively. He got some nice rebounds. He did a little bit of everything.”
Simons’ production was not lost on Blazers newcomer Norman Powell. Like Stotts, Powell made it a point to mention Simons in his postgame interview.
“It was big time, a big spark, made big shots, timely shots, especially in the second half and first half to give us some juice.”
Simons and the Blazers return to action on Sunday with a visit to Charlotte to face the Hornets. You can read Hudson’s full story at NBC Sports Northwest.