Anfernee Simons Unveiled Something New In First Celtics Game
Ever since the Boston Celtics landed Anfernee Simons, fans have been looking forward to his electric offense. Indeed, Simons is an elite bucket-getter, and Boston will need him to score consistently in 2025-26 while the Celts experience life without Jayson Tatum.
Simons’ ability to score isn’t up for debate. He’s already averaged north of 20 points in an NBA season twice in his career.
Boston’s opening night game was further evidence of Simons’ ability to put the ball in the hoop. He led the Celtics’ bench in scoring with 13 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. Another day at the office for Simons.
There was something noticeably different about Simons in his Celtics debut, however.
The offensive-minded guard was exerting excellent effort on the defensive end during all 32 of his minutes, something that Portland Trail Blazers fans will tell you has never happened before.
It’s only a sample size of one regular season game, but Simons turning up his effort on the defensive end is a surprising and awesome development for the Celtics. Joe Mazzulla has reportedly been pep-talking Simons recently about his defense, telling Simons that he’s not as bad of a defender as people say. Maybe those discussions are already reaping rewards for Simons and the Celtics.
Following Wednesday’s game, Simons spoke about his defense with CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning.
“Trying to get those (defensive) things sured up early on,” Simons told Manning. “This camp was hard for me & bringing that intensity … every day … I won’t say I’ll be perfect, but I’m making gradual improvements. Tonight, I did pretty well … I showed up. I’m proud of myself.”
In theory, Simons should be able to hold his own on defense. He’s an explosive athlete and isn’t undersized for his position. Mazzulla’s insistence that Simons hasn’t approached his defensive ceiling is based on something real.
While the Celtics ultimately suffered a disappointing, late-game showing in a loss to the Sixers on Wednesday, Simons’ defensive effort was one of the most notable silver linings of the evening for Boston.
All Simons has to do now is rinse, wash, and repeat that effort 81 more times. Easier said than done.