View From The Rafters: Behind the Scenes with the Boston Celtics Anfernee Simons on Celtics trade, reliving Damian Lillard’s 2019 playoff run
Nov 5, 2025
In a compelling conversation, Anfernee Simons, the talented NBA guard recently traded to the Celtics, shares insights about adjusting to Boston's rich culture and coaching style. He recounts his unforgettable experience witnessing Damian Lillard's iconic 2019 playoff shot and how it shaped his approach to the game. Simons also discusses the emotional impact of scoring 43 points right after his grandfather's passing. With humor, he engages in light-hearted chatter about food and the camaraderie building with his new teammates.
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Earn Minutes Through Defensive Commitment
- Do invest effort into the defensive side to earn trust and playing time in Boston.
- Joe Mazzulla demands on-ball accountability, so make defensive reps habitual.
Two-Way Play Demands Conditioning
- Playing both ways requires conditioning to maintain pace on offense while going full on defense.
- Simons says preseason adjusted him to sustain energy every possession.
Pickup Games Shaped His Development
- Simons remembers playing pickup with players like Payton Pritchard and admiring Pritchard's reputation for work ethic.
- He enjoyed competing with and against peers who pushed him in pickup sessions.