Jacked Ramsays After Dark: Simons Gets 45, Blazers Get Back on Track

Join Danny Marang for a Jacked Ramsays After Dark that saw the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Utah Jazz, 116-111 on the road and improve to 12-11 on teh season.

It was a special night for Anfernee Simons, who finished the night with a new career high of 45 points on 15-25 FG, 7-12 3FG and 8-8 FT - who scored 36 of those points in the 1st half (also a career high for points in a half) but it all started with his 23 points in the 1st quarter (career high for points in a quarter) that got the Blazers the offense they needed to jump start them.

After the offensive explosion for Simons in the 1st (40 points for the team) the scoring slowed to a standard pace that saw contributions up and down the board. Jerami Grant took over the 2nd half as Simons was clearly tired and finished with 13 of his 33 points in the 4th quarter.
A slow and awkward first half from Jusuf Nurkic turned into one of Nurk's most impactful 2nd halves of the season - where perhaps only his early season performance against Deandre Ayton and the Suns being more important. He was a deterrent at the rim, secured rebounds and traffic and generated multiple 2nd chance opportunities that Portland desparately needed down the stretch.

Trendon Watford and Greg Brown III both played big roles tonight with their energy and hustle - 9 points, 14 rebounds and also cleaned up on the offensive glass. While Brown III brought energy when the Blazers needed it, finishing with 6 points and 4 rebounds along with some rather inspired defense.

All in all, a great win for the Blazers when they needed it most. Thet got it done by getting into their offense early, trusting the hot hand when it was going and timely defensive stops. Significantly more fun and reminiscent to how the season started.

Tap in and enjoy the show!

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jacked-ramsays-a-portland-trail-blazers-podcast/id1578314007

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KQ8g9JYJCSvxng0WoIFoI?si=M8ZTALHSTwy950r7oLtb9Q&dl_branch=1&nd=1

YouTube: https://youtube.com/dannymarang

Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLm1lZ2FwaG9uZS5mbS9CTFU3MjAyODAwNzM1

Discord: discord.gg/t8TkEJ7wUT
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices