Portland Trails Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was thrilled to see his team clinch a high-powered win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Shaedon Sharpe exploded for 33 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 127-113 win at the Atlanta Hawks.
Sharpe’s big night was almost matched by the impressive Deni Avdija score who scored 32 of his own, and added 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
The win snapped a run of losses for Portland and takes their record to 33-43, 12th in the Western Conference, three wins back from 10th.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups spoke at his press conference following the game to discuss Shaedon Sharpe’s performance.
Sharpe’s 33 points was the second highest he had produced this season, following 36 against the Washington Wizards.
Speaking about Sharpe’s decision making, Billups added: “I thought it was good.”
He added: “That’s the one thing I’m always telling Shae, just continue to stay aggressive, some nights you going to be making, some you won’t. Your aggressiveness allows other guys to get shots.
“He stayed on the attack the entire night, I thought he was great.
“We needed him on the glass big-time. To get 25 rebounds between him and Deni is a big big deal, a big deal. I thought Shae was awesome all night.
Sharpe, 22, was a first round pick for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021, taken seventh overall.
He is averaging a career high 18 points per game, a jump from 15.9 ppg in 2023-24.
Deni Avdija is also experiencing a career best points average, with his 16.5 ppg beyond his previous highs with the Washington Wizards.
Chauncey Billups commented on his performance, explaining that he is trying to use him in multiple ways, evidenced by his big triple-double, “I’m just utilizing him in every way, I’m trying everything.
“Him too, I want our guys to be aggressive, always be aggressive as team, period. Offensively, defensively that’s what we strive to be.
“I thought our pressure was really good, our physicality was really good.”
Portland are next in action against the Toronto Raptors on March 3.
