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Anfernee Simons’ Sixth-Man Surge Lifts Celtics as Mazzulla Leans on Deep Rotation

Coach Joe Mazzulla credits Simons for embracing immediate aggression in a matchup-driven role.

Overview

  • Simons scored 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting (4-of-7 from three) in 22 minutes during Sunday’s 138-129 win over the Magic, his second straight 23-point game, as he, Josh Minott and Sam Hauser combined for 55 off the bench.
  • Mazzulla said Simons is “playing his role really well,” highlighting his quick-start approach, while the guard’s season line sits around 14.4 points with 44.8% shooting and 41.1% from deep.
  • Boston continues to deploy an 11–12 man rotation based on matchups, with Simons’ minutes ranging from 12 to 33 this month as roles shift night to night.
  • Center Neemias Queta exited the Magic game with an ankle injury, prompting smaller lineups after backup bigs Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman logged DNPs.
  • Media chatter around Simons’ roughly $27.7–$28 million expiring contract has picked up, including a Bill Simmons three-team proposal for Trey Murphy that remains a speculative scenario rather than a reported plan.