TORONTO – Shaedon Sharpe’s having a record-setting season for himself and for a Canadian.
Sharpe’s 36-point efficiency led the Portland Path Blazers previous Toronto 112-103 on Thursday, tying a private finest and scoring probably the most factors by a Canadian towards the Raptors. Sharpe wasn’t even conscious that he had made historical past at Scotiabank Area till after the win.
“I didn’t know that till I needed to interview with (Path Blazers courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam) after the sport, however that’s loopy,” mentioned Sharpe within the guests’ locker room. “It’s a blessing to make historical past within the metropolis I grew up.
“However I didn’t know that, that’s loopy.”
Sharpe, who was born in London, Ont., was averaging 18 factors, 4.4 rebounds and a pair of.6 assists heading into Thursday’s sport. He not solely doubled his common scoring efficiency towards the Raptors, however added six rebounds and 5 assists.
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The 21-year-old capturing guard mentioned he felt ready for Toronto as Portland makes a push for the Western Convention’s play-in match. The Path Blazers are 2 1/2 video games behind the Sacramento Kings for tenth within the West.
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“I believe movie actually helped me for the sport and simply selecting my spots on the court docket and likewise realizing what that they had in retailer,” mentioned Sharpe. “I used to be capable of get down hill and create for my teammates, and after I opened it up, I simply began driving.”
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Driving to the web is strictly what Path Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has requested of Sharpe this season.
“My large factor with him is at all times telling him to be aggressive, simply to be on the assault always,” mentioned Billups pre-game. “That permits you to must study a few of these defences.
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“Not enjoying within the crowd, making an attempt to show you over. , being sensible about that.”
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic mentioned that Sharpe’s aggressiveness was laborious for his defence to handle.
“I believe the movie goes to point out that he simply saved going, and our large was not current sufficient to cease his drives to the rim,” he mentioned. “(Sharpe) was getting all open strains there, and I actually wished our protection to work, and that’s one thing that we’re going to have a look at in movie and study from this.”
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Sharpe mentioned that it’s an honour to study from Billups, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame in 2024 for his accomplishments as a degree guard.
“It’s a blessing having your coach let you know to be aggressive and simply play laborious the proper manner,” mentioned Sharpe. “I’m glad I’m in a position to do this and assist my staff in that manner.”
Sharpe’s season is a big turnaround from his first two years within the NBA.
Drafted seventh total by Portland within the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe averaged 9.9 factors, three rebounds and 1.2 assists over 80 video games in his rookie season. His sophomore season was restricted to 32 video games due to an stomach damage and he averaged 15.9 factors, 5 rebounds and a pair of.9 assists.
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“It’s been, clearly a ton of progress for Shaedon this season,” mentioned Billups. “Final 12 months he had been out a lot, he’s the sort of man, he wished to play. He takes it very personally. Desires to play each single evening and that’s one factor I really like about him.
“So he’s been wholesome this season and he’s realized a ton and I believe you see him proper now and assume he’s enjoying pretty much as good as he’s ever performed.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed April 3, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
