Anfernee Simons delivers season-best performance for Boston
Guard Anfernee Simons came off the bench to pour in 39 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, as the Celtics edged the Heat 119-114 on Thursday night. The 24-year-old knocked down seven three-pointers and drew praise from teammates.
“Tonight it was, ‘get him the ball and get out of the way,’ and he was special,” forward Sam Hauser said. Jaylen Brown added that Simons is “probably more talented than the role he’s in” and lauded his unselfish approach.
Simons’ production has boosted his trade value, league observers told the Dallas Hoops Journal, though Boston’s reported search for front-court help could be complicated if the club is reluctant to part with the high-scoring reserve.
Barrett resumes on-court work for Raptors
Raptors wing RJ Barrett, sidelined the past four games with a right ankle sprain, has begun full-speed drills and is not favoring the injury, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. The 25-year-old is expected to rejoin the lineup at some point during Toronto’s current five-game road trip, which opened Sunday against the Lakers.
Bridges’ fourth-quarter output under scrutiny in New York
Mikal Bridges is averaging only 3.5 points on 42.4 percent shooting in fourth quarters this season despite logging the most minutes of any Knick, the New York Post reported. His first-half accuracy sits at 55.2 percent. The 27-year-old has also attempted fewer free throws than 80 players who see less court time, raising concerns about his physicality.
In five games without injured guard Jalen Brunson, New York is 1-4 while Bridges has averaged 17.8 points, short of the playmaking punch the team expected when it acquired him.
McCain assigned to Delaware after shooting slump
The 76ers sent second-year guard Jared McCain to their G League affiliate on Saturday. McCain is hitting 35.4 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three-point range after posting 46.0 percent and 38.3 percent, respectively, as a rookie. Head coach Nick Nurse said steady minutes are essential for the 22-year-old’s development.
In his Delaware Blue Coats debut Sunday, McCain scored 15 points on 5-for-18 shooting, went 2-for-9 from deep and committed six turnovers without an assist.
Source: HoopsRumors
