Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics
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Anfernee Simons is steadily rising — to the Celtics’ benefit and Joe Mazzulla’s satisfaction
On Sunday, as the Celtics hosted the Magic at TD Garden, Simons delivered a crucial 23-point performance off the bench. He went 8-of-11 from the field, marking his most efficient shooting night (72.7%) so far in games where he attempted at least 10 shots, helping Boston fend off Orlando’s comeback bid.
Celtics Wire on MSN
Joe Mazzulla sees Anfernee Simons getting more comfortable with Boston Celtics bench role
It has not exactly been the most seamless integration into the way the Boston Celtics play basketball for former Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons. But the Florida native has been putting in the work on the court and off,
Anfernee Simons led the way during that 80-point scoring explosion in the first half, making him Sunday’s “Name to Know” Player of the Game. The Name to Know Player of the Game is sponsored by John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, the Name to Know when your drains don’t flow.
The Celtics have to hold themselves to different standards than in the past. And while they watched a 26-point lead whittled down to 6 after a stirring rally by the Magic reserves Sunday night at the Garden, they prevailed and walked away with a quality win.
Although six-time All-Star power forward Jayson Tatum is out of commission for most or all of 2025-26 thanks to his Achilles tendon surgery, and key championship-era pieces Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet are all out the door thanks to trades and free agency departures, the Celtics remain a scrappy out.
Celtics Wire on MSN
In the NBA, it's so easy to lose a game: Anfernee Simons on what ails the Boston Celtics
Simons epitomized the reality in front of Boston for that Nets loss, and was not being offered as an excuse for how the Celtics played.
After the Celtics once again stumbled into a double-digit hole with a rocky start, Simons came in and provided the lift they needed.
The NBA offseason is already in full swing. Just a day after the NBA Finals ended, the Boston Celtics traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Monday night. Boston ...
Would it make more sense to boost his minutes so he can find the rhythm he depended on as a scorer in Portland?
The Celtics survived a late game comeback against the Magic to climb over .500. Here are five takeaways from the 138-129 win.
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