On Sunday, as the Celtics hosted the Magic at TD Garden, Simons delivered a crucial 23-point performance off the bench. He went 8-of-11 from the field, marking his most efficient shooting night (72.7%) so far in games where he attempted at least 10 shots, helping Boston fend off Orlando’s comeback bid.

It has not exactly been the most seamless integration into the way the Boston Celtics play basketball for former Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons. But the Florida native has been putting in the work on the court and off,

Anfernee Simons led the way during that 80-point scoring explosion in the first half, making him Sunday’s “Name to Know” Player of the Game. The Name to Know Player of the Game is sponsored by John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, the Name to Know when your drains don’t flow.

The Celtics have to hold themselves to different standards than in the past. And while they watched a 26-point lead whittled down to 6 after a stirring rally by the Magic reserves Sunday night at the Garden, they prevailed and walked away with a quality win.

Simons epitomized the reality in front of Boston for that Nets loss, and was not being offered as an excuse for how the Celtics played.

Anfernee Simons may end up on the radar of other teams sooner than later if he maintains his play from Sunday's win.

Anfernee Simons spent his NBA career in Portland before being traded to the Boston Celtics this season. On Sunday, Simons reached two career milestones that marked all he had done with the Trail Blazers while showing that he can still be key for Boston. In fact, he hit both milestones on the same shot.

Although six-time All-Star power forward Jayson Tatum is out of commission for most or all of 2025-26 thanks to his Achilles tendon surgery, and key championship-era pieces Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet are all out the door thanks to trades and free agency departures, the Celtics remain a scrappy out.

After the Celtics once again stumbled into a double-digit hole with a rocky start, Simons came in and provided the lift they needed.

The Celtics survived a late game comeback against the Magic to climb over .500. Here are five takeaways from the 138-129 win.