Simons takes it to the rim in winning NBA Slam Dunk contest
Fred Jeter | 3/18/2021, 6 p.m.
Anfernee Simons introduced the “Kiss the Rim” dunk March 7 and the judges fell in love with it.
The third-year guard for the Portland Trail Blazers won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest by nearly touching his lips to the rim.
In flight, Simons puckered his lips and came within a few inches of touching the rim as he pounded the ball through the net with his right hand.
The creative slam enabled Simons to defeat New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin 3-2 in a “Judge’s Choice” dunk-off.
The 6-foot-3 Simons, a native Floridian who never played college hoops, was the Trail Blazers’ first round draft pick in 2018.
Indianapolis’ Cassius Stanley also was in the competition, which was held during halftime of the annual NBA All- Star game in Atlanta.
The Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry won the 3-point contest with 59 pounds, four ahead of Utah’s Mike Conley.
Team LeBron defeated Team Durant 170-150 in the All-Star game in which 133 3-pointers were attempted. It was not a defensive struggle. Only 10 free throws were attempted as few shots were contested.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of Team LeBron was MVP, hitting all 16 of his shots while scoring 35 points. Washington’s Bradley Beal had 26 for Team Durant.
