Photo credit: globalnews.ca

Shaedon Sharpe Makes History with Record-Setting Game Against Raptors

TORONTO – Shaedon Sharpe is enjoying a standout season, marking significant achievements on both personal and national levels. In a thrilling matchup on Thursday, Sharpe scored 36 points, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 112-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors. This remarkable performance not only matched his career high but also set the record for the most points scored by a Canadian against the Raptors.

Interestingly, Sharpe was unaware of his milestone until after the game during an interview with Trail Blazers courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam. “I didn’t know that until I had to interview with her after the game. That’s crazy,” he remarked in the locker room. “It’s a blessing to make history in the city I grew up.”

Sharpe, hailing from London, Ontario, came into the game averaging 18 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. His remarkable performance against the Raptors not only doubled his scoring average but also included six rebounds and five assists, reflecting the growth he has achieved this season.

The 21-year-old shooting guard expressed confidence going into the game, especially as the Trail Blazers chase a spot in the Western Conference’s play-in tournament, trailing the Sacramento Kings by 2.5 games.

“I think film really helped me for the game, just picking my spots on the court and knowing what they had in store,” Sharpe explained. “I was able to drive to the basket and create opportunities for my teammates.”

Trail Blazers’ Strategy and Coaching Insights

Sharpe’s aggressive approach has been a focal point of Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups’ strategy this season. “I always tell him to be aggressive, to be on the attack at all times,” Billups said before the game. “That allows him to learn how to navigate through different defenses.”

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the challenge posed by Sharpe’s relentless drive, stating, “He just kept going, and our big was not present enough to stop his drives to the rim. We’ll have to analyze the film to improve our coverage in the future.”

Sharpe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Billups, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024. “It’s a blessing having your coach encourage you to be aggressive and play hard the right way,” he noted. “I’m glad I’m able to contribute to my team in that manner.”

Sharpe’s Growth in the NBA

Sharpe’s trajectory as a player has seen a substantial shift from his initial years in the NBA. The 2022 NBA Draft saw him selected seventh overall by Portland, where he averaged 9.9 points, three rebounds, and 1.2 assists during his rookie year. A setback due to an abdominal injury limited his sophomore season to just 32 games, during which he averaged 15.9 points, five rebounds, and 2.9 assists.

Reflecting on Sharpe’s development, Billups noted, “There’s been a tremendous amount of growth for Shaedon this season. He takes every game personally and wants to play every night. With his health this season, he’s learned substantially and is currently playing at an exceptional level.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 3, 2025.

Source
globalnews.ca