Anfernee Simons not defending Slam Dunk Contest title

Jason Quick: Blazers’ guard Anfernee Simons will not defend his Slam Dunk title, telling @The Athletic “I just wanted to focus on the season” while adding that the title was “more of a checklist accomplishment.” Simons is coming off a January when he averaged 23.1 points and 6.7 assists.
Source: Twitter @jwquick

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Casey Holdahl @CHold
Jusuf Nurkic (right ankle; sprain) and Anfernee Simons (right hip; contusion) are probable; CJ Elleby (left hamstring; strain) and Trendon Watford (right ankle; sprain) are questionable; Little/Lillard/Nance Jr/Zeller are out for Tuesday’s game vs. Lakers. – 7:21 PM Jason Quick @jwquick
Blazers’ guard Anfernee Simons will not defend his Slam Dunk title, telling @The Athletic “I just wanted to focus on the season” while adding that the title was “more of a checklist accomplishment.” Simons is coming off a January when he averaged 23.1 points and 6.7 assists. – 6:28 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
OKC started Lu Dort, Derrick Favors and three rookies and beat a Blazers team starting CJ McCollum, Robert Covington, Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons and Norman Powell by 17 points. pic.twitter.com/lwlgKhO6ld – 10:11 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Thunder showing respect for Anfernee Simons by putting Dort on him. Wiggins has McCollum. – 8:24 PM Casey Holdahl @CHold
Bulls 130, Blazers 116: FINAL. 29 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists for @CJ McCollum. 22 points, 4 rebounds for @Norman Powell. 21 points, 6 assists for @Anfernee Simons. 11 points, 7 rebounds for @Robert Covington. 11 points, 4 rebounds for @bosnianbeast27. – 5:38 PM Casey Holdahl @CHold
Bulls 104, Blazers 92: end of third quarter. 22 points, 4 rebounds for @Norman Powell. 20 points, 4 rebounds/assists for @CJ McCollum. 17 points, 6 assists for @Anfernee Simons. 11 apiece for @Jusuf Nurkic and @Robert Covington. – 5:12 PM Casey Holdahl @CHold
Bulls 73, Blazers 65: halftime. 17 points, 1 rebound/assist for @Norman Powell. 16 points, 4 assists for @CJ McCollum. 14 points, 4 assists for @Anfernee Simons. – 4:30 PM Casey Holdahl @CHold
Blazers 35, Bulls 29: end of first quarter. 9 points, 4 assists for @CJ McCollum. 8 points, 2 assists for @Anfernee Simons. 3 points, 2 rebounds/assists for @Robert Covington. POR shooting 68 percent, CHI 55 percent. – 4:02 PM

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