Orlando Magic Daily
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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jonathon Simmons

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 31: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 31, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 31: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 31, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Best Game of 2018

Feb. 6 vs. Cleveland: 34 points, 12/17 FGs, 7 rebounds

Jonathon Simmons showed he was capable of putting in some big scoring performances with the San Antonio Spurs. He virtually announced himself on opening night in a win over the Golden State Warriors. He continued to show what he could do in the playoffs against the Warriors later in the year.

Orlando was counting to win a few games because Simmons just got things rolling and went on a hot streak. And he had more than a few of those games.

This February night against the Cleveland Cavaliers just before the trade deadline proved to be one of his magnum opi.

The Cavaliers took a 20-point lead in the first half and it felt like the Magic were going to limp to the trade deadline and just go away and die. This had the opportunity for an angry LeBron James to just take his frustrations out on one of the worst teams in the league.

Instead, Simmons went off.

Orlando came back behind Simmons’ 22-point effort in the third quarter. He scored the most points in a single quarter since Tracy McGrady‘s 23 in his 62-point game. That is some strong company. And Simmons just had it rolling.

He made seven of eight field goals in total and seven of eight free throws. If there was an ideal Simmons game, it was this. He was driving and getting to the basket and getting to the foul line.

The Magic turned a 16-point halftime deficit into a four-point lead thanks to Simmons draining a 3-pointer at the buzzer. He posed for good measure.

Orlando held Cleveland to nine points in the fourth quarter and won easily. Sending the Cavaliers to make the trade that changed their season. Simmons did that in one fell swoop.