Taylor Jenkins issues statement on Anfernee Simons after Grizzlies lose to Blazers

Compared to Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies put forth significantly better efforts in Saturday night's follow-up game against the Blazers, which was exactly what the coaching staff said they were hoping for. In the end, however, the result remained the same as the club was downed by a final score of 107-100.

Up for a majority of the game, Memphis found themselves leading by as much as 18 points during the early stages of the fourth period.

Unfortunately, Portland stormed back with vengeance down the stretch, outscoring the Grizzlies 34-17 during the final 12 minutes of regulation and, after forcing overtime, continued their dominance in the extra innings by outpacing Memphis 12-5 while holding them to a putrid 14.3 percent shooting.

Leading the charge for the Trail Blazers in their late-game surge was budding star Anfernee Simons, who registered 18 of his 30 points in both the fourth and overtime alone.

Following the contest, coach Taylor Jenkins talked about the guard's late-game heroics, praising him for his top-flight talents and efforts.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins praises Anfernee Simons

"He hit some really tough shots, he had a couple of breakdowns for us defensively. He hit two open ones -- one was a two one was a three. He's a hell of a young player with a heck of an offensive game. "

- Taylor Jenkins

Throughout the regular season series between the Grizzlies and Blazers, Simons has been a constant challenge for Memphis to try and contain. In all contests played against the club, the 24-year-old has averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 38.5 percent from deep.

Saturday's showing was yet another example of why many are tabbing Simons as being one of the game's best up-and-coming guards.

With this loss, the Grizzlies have lost their season series against Portland with a record reading 1-3 and are now just 2-14 over their last 16 games.