Anfernee Simons led the way with 38 points and 11 assists as the Portland Trail Blazers overcame the Brooklyn Nets in a thrilling 134-127 overtime victory during Sunday’s NBA action.
Malcolm Brogdon played a crucial role in Portland’s near-perfect overtime performance, scoring eight of his 18 points in the extra period. Jerami Grant contributed 27 points, while Duop Reath had a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Off the bench, Shaedon Sharpe added 21 points for the Blazers. Breaking a four-game losing streak, this win marked Portland’s first road victory in eight attempts, improving their record to 10-25.
Brogdon reflected on the win’s significance, especially considering the youth and inexperience of the team.
“We definitely needed it,” Brogdon said. “To pull a win like this out, this is a team competing for a playoff spot, it’s a really good win for us. I think we’re a young team, we’re inexperienced to put a full 48 minutes together. Tonight we were able to put 53 minutes together, so I’m proud of this group.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Mikal Bridges shone with 42 points for the Nets, including a crucial jumper that sent the game into overtime. Despite his efforts, the Nets, now at 16-21, continued their struggling form, losing 11 of their last 14 games.
“Just getting to spots and making (shots),” Bridges said “But I don’t really care too much, especially after an ‘L.’”
The Trail Blazers, who didn’t lead until the fourth quarter and were down by 10 in the second half, made a comeback late in the game. Sharpe’s driving layup put them ahead with just seconds left in regulation, but Bridges’ fall-away jumper pushed the game into overtime.
“Shaedon was locked in,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said. “With them trying to take away (Simons), if they’re going to put two on the ball, we’ve got to be comfortable wherever that ball lands.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
In overtime, Portland surged ahead with an 11-2 run, largely thanks to Simons’ six points. Brogdon credited Simons for his stellar playmaking, noting his role in capitalizing on shooting opportunities created by Simons.
“Ant was really doing all the hard work for us,” Brogdon said. “For me, it’s a matter of what I do every day, which is shoot the ball. That’s my comfort zone; Ant was making the right reads every single time down the floor, and we had to help him out.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Trail Blazers next face the New York Knicks on Tuesday, while the Nets are set to play the Cleveland Cavaliers in Paris on Thursday.
