Philadelphia 76ers guard Anfernee Simons provided a critical spark during Thursday’s home victory against the Toronto Raptors.
After the team fell behind by 17 points in the first half, Simons helped initiate a rally that allowed Philadelphia to regain control of the contest, according to Yahoo Sports.
Simons finished the game with 17 points, connecting on five of his six attempts from beyond the arc.
His performance was part of a collective effort from the bench, including contributions from teammates Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jabari Walker.
Reflecting on the slow start, Simons noted to Sixers Wire: “Just want to go in and bring some energy, get some stops, get out and run, bring some energy, life to the team.”
A pivotal moment occurred at the end of the first quarter when Simons hit a buzzer-beating shot to cut the Raptors’ lead to nine points.
The guard suggested that the play served as a catalyst for the team’s momentum moving into the second quarter of the game.
“I think it brought definitely energy going into the second quarter that helped us kind of get some stops and get running,” Simons told reporters.
The 76ers rely on the floor spacing provided by Simons and Caldwell-Pope to create opportunities for guards to drive toward the basket.
While some observers might view the reliance on perimeter shooting as a source of pressure, Simons maintained that the team culture encourages shooters to remain aggressive.
“They encourage us to keep shooting the ball, and knowing that the team has that much confidence in us to keep shooting it, it makes the game that much easier,” Simons reported to Sixers Wire.
Simons is currently shooting 42.7% from three-point range on the season, despite experiencing fluctuations in his efficiency.
The 76ers are scheduled to return to the court on Sunday to host the Indiana Pacers.