Anfernee Simons has helped turn the Celtics second unit into one of the best benches in the NBA this year. His impact was on display again in Sunday’s 107-79 blowout win over the Bucks.
The sharpshooting guard erupted for 27 points off the bench, 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](https://johnsewer.com/?utm_source=mlm&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mlm_local_site_articlesponsor_celtics_playerofgame&utm_content=celtics).
Simons caught fire in the first quarter, scoring 11 of his 26 points in the frame on 4-of-6 shooting. The scoring explosion was well-timed, helping the hosts dig out of a 12-0 hole and tie the game by the end of the first quarter.
Simons continued to do his damage from beyond the arc as he the game wore on, going 6-of-10 from 3-point range to post 27 points in just 25 minutes of action before getting a loud ovation from the TD Garden as he exited the rout in the final minute of the game.
The Celtics continue to see big success all year long with Simons scoring in bunches off the bench. They improved to 5-0 this year when he’s crossed the 25-point threshold, all of which have come as a reserve.
Simons is now leading all Celtics guards by shooting 39 percent from 3-point range on the year while posting 14 points per game. His situation this week will be worth watching closely with the trade deadline just four days away but he’s making a case for Brad Stevens to hold onto him with this play.
Simons and the Celtics will return to action on Tuesday night when they kick off a two-game road trip in Texas against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks.