The Portland Trail Blazers finally got back to winning ways on Friday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 135–115 to end a six-game losing streak and improve to 24–28 on the season, good for 10th place in the Western Conference. Although the win was reassuring, it was overshadowed by the loss of guard Shadden Sharp, who did not return after halftime due to a left calf injury.
Sharp left the game after playing 14 minutes in the first half. Before leaving, he recorded two points on 2-of-2 free throws, two rebounds and two assists, while missing both of his field-goal attempts. Portland announced at halftime that Sharp would not return due to a sore left calf, and Sidi Sissoko replaced him in the starting lineup to start the third quarter. The team did not disclose the severity of the injury.
Sharp, who signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the Blazers last October, is averaging 21.4 points per game in 30.0 minutes with 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 48 games. He is shooting 45.6 percent from the field, 34.0 percent from three-point range and 78.4 percent from the free-throw line, for a true shooting percentage of 55.0.
If the 22-year-old misses additional time, increased minutes could be available for Sissoko, Wit Krejci and Blake Wesley, who are already part of Portland's rotation.
Sharp's exit early did not prevent the Blazers from taking charge after settling into the game. Portland trailed 36–25 and down by 15 points after the first quarter, but regained the lead 68–64 at halftime. The Blazers outscored Memphis 67–51 in the second half, including a 38–23 third quarter that put the game out of reach.
Jerami Grant led Portland with 23 points, while Jrue Holiday added 20 points and seven assists. Eight Blazers finished in double figures, including Krejci and Scooter Henderson, who scored 11 points each. Making his season debut after recovering from a left hamstring injury, Henderson played just over 21 minutes and had 11 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal, but he also had five turnovers and four fouls.
Donovan Clingan controlled the paint with 13 points and 17 rebounds, seven of which were on the offensive glass. His effort helped Portland score 13 second-chance points against a Grizzlies team lacking size.
The teams will meet again in Portland on Saturday night before the Trail Blazers host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
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