Anfernee Simons

The Anfernee Simons breakout campaign is officially underway. Now a full-time starter for the first time in his five professional seasons, Simons rewards the Portland Trail Blazers’ faith in him with an overtime game-winner in the second game of the 2022-23 slate. Deadlocked against the Phoenix Suns in the extra session, Simons knows time is of the essence, driving hard into the paint against the defensively-gifted Mikal Bridges and still finding a way to bury a go-ahead hook shot with 7.2 seconds remaining. Simons’ clutch shot — along with his 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal — were instrumental in Portland’s 113-111 victory, allowing the Blazers to begin the new season 2-0.