The Portland Trail Blazers went 1-2 this past week with a win over the New Orleans Pelicans and losses to the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. The tough week dropped the Blazers below .500 again at
6-7.
However, despite a pair of tough losses, there were several impressive performances by individual players. With a pair of 30-point performances, this season’s first repeat winner of Blazer of the Week is Shaedon Sharpe.
Sharpe averaged 30.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game this week and led Portland in scoring in the win over the Pelicans and in the loss to the Mavericks. His shooting has been up and down so far this season, but this week he was able to improve that average to 48.4% from the field. This efficient week was highlighted by an incredible 13/18 performance from the field against New Orleans where he made all 11 of his attempts from inside the three-point arc.
Despite the efficient week overall, his shot from deep still leaves some to be desired. He made just 6 of his 21 attempts from outside the arc, good for just 28.6% shooting. He has not shown any hit to his confidence despite the rough start, showing he will not stop taking those shots just because he has yet to find his rhythm from downtown. If Sharpe can add a consistent three-ball to his arsenal, he may prove to be an unstoppable offensive force.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Sharpe showcased some of his defensive chops this week. He snagged four steals in the three games and continued to show defensive growth after being demoted to the bench last season because of his struggles on that end. While he is not the best defender on the team, or really even close, he has done enough to become a part of Portland’s turnover-forcing identity and not actively a liability on that end of the floor.
This week’s honorable mention is Deni Avdija.
Avdija and Sharpe have looked like a deadly one-two punch so far this season for the Blazers, and this week was no exception. Avdija averaged 27.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this week as he continued his super hot start. His ability to run the offense, both as a scorer and a distributor, have helped unlock a new offensive mode for Portland.
What Blazer impressed you most this week? Let us know in the comments below!
