Blazers' Simons returned vs. Warriors after missing 18 games with thumb injury

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons returned to the starting lineup in a 110-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors after missing 18 contests due to a thumb tear.

In just his second game of the season, Simons recorded 28 points on 10-of-27 shooting with four assists in 37 minutes of action.

Simons suffered the thumb injury in the Trail Blazers' opening game, a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in October.

The 24-year-old is coming off a career campaign, averaging 21 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 62 games in 2022-23. Before his season-opening injury, Simons was in line for a bigger role due to the departure of franchise legend Damian Lillard. The Trail Blazers drafted Simons 24th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Meanwhile, center Deandre Ayton missed his second game of the campaign due to knee soreness.

Portland ranks 13th in the Western Conference with a 6-13 record.