Sports
Shaedon Sharpe Shines with 35 Points in Blazers’ Victory
NEW ORLEANS — Shaedon Sharpe led the Portland Trail Blazers to a much-needed victory, scoring a season-high 35 points in a 120-112 win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at Smoothie King Center.
The Blazers, looking to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season, relied heavily on Sharpe’s remarkable performance, especially in clutch moments of the game. After struggling early in the season, Sharpe has shown signs of returning to form, providing a significant boost for his team.
Portland’s interim coach, Ivo Splitter, praised Sharpe, stating, “He was unbelievable.” This game marked Sharpe’s second consecutive standout performance, following a 31-point outing against the Orlando Magic.
On Wednesday, Sharpe displayed his scoring ability across the court. He made 13 of 18 shots, including a mix of pull-up jumpers, three-pointers, and impressive dunks. He started the game strong, scoring seven points in the first quarter, and finished with 10 points in the fourth quarter, helping to secure the win despite a late push from the Pelicans.
The Trail Blazers also faced challenges in the first half when rookie Scoot Henderson was ejected, but Sharpe’s explosiveness helped them maintain control. The Blazers improved to 6-5 on the season, bouncing back from previous defeats to solidify their position.
In addition to his points, Sharpe contributed five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. His recent performances highlight his growing confidence and ability to make plays when it matters most. Teammate Donovan Clingan commented on Sharpe’s impact, saying, “It spaces the floor, it gives us energy.”
As the season progresses, Sharpe’s health and performance will be crucial for the team, particularly after struggling early on due to a left calf injury. Now fully recovered, he is thriving, averaging 33 points over his last two games with an impressive shooting percentage of 69.4% from the field.
