Shaedon Sharpe’s Hot Shooting Leads Young Trail Blazers to Upset Victory Over Boston Celtics, 114-108
Portland, Oregon – December 28, 2025 – In a thrilling showdown at the Moda Center, the Portland Trail Blazers’ youthful core rose to the occasion, stunning the visiting Boston Celtics with a 114-108 victory. Shaedon Sharpe, the dynamic third-year guard, erupted for a game-high 26 points, knocking down 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, to propel the Blazers to their first win in four games. The victory snapped Portland’s three-game losing streak while halting Boston’s four-game win streak in dramatic fashion.
The game was a tale of two halves. Boston dominated early, building a 63-55 halftime lead behind Jaylen Brown’s scorching first-half performance. But the Blazers flipped the script in the third quarter, outscoring the Celtics 31-22 to seize control. Portland’s balanced attack and relentless defense in the second half proved too much for a Celtics squad missing key pieces and struggling from deep.
Shaedon Sharpe: The Sparkplug
At just 22 years old, Shaedon Sharpe showcased why he’s considered one of the league’s most explosive young talents. His 26 points came efficiently, including several timely threes that swung momentum. Sharpe’s ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor was crucial, especially in the third quarter when Portland erased Boston’s lead. “I just stayed aggressive,” Sharpe said postgame. “My teammates found me in rhythm, and I let it fly.”
Sharpe’s performance wasn’t just scoring; he added 5 rebounds and attacked the rim fearlessly against Boston’s depleted frontcourt. His 5-for-8 from three highlighted Portland’s improved perimeter shooting in the comeback.
Deni Avdija’s All-Around Mastery
Deni Avdija was the engine for Portland, delivering a near triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. The versatile forward orchestrated the offense masterfully, dissecting Boston’s defense with precise passes and smart drives. Avdija’s playmaking was evident in the fourth quarter, where he repeatedly found open shooters and cutters to maintain the lead.
“Tonight was about trusting the group,” Avdija noted. “We have a lot of young guys stepping up, and when we move the ball like that, we’re tough to beat.” His 24 points came on efficient shooting, and his 10 assists tied a season high, underscoring his growth as Portland’s primary facilitator.
Donovan Clingan’s Dominant Double-Double
Rookie center Donovan Clingan announced his presence with authority, posting 18 points and a monstrous 18 rebounds. The former UConn star controlled the glass, grabbing key offensive boards in crunch time that led to second-chance points. His putback and-one in the final minute sealed the deal, pushing Portland’s lead to four with seconds remaining.
Clingan’s rim protection and rebounding were vital against Boston’s interior attacks. “He’s a monster on the boards,” head coach Chauncey Billups praised. “For a rookie to do that against a team like Boston – it’s huge for us.”
Supporting Cast Shines
Toumani Camara contributed 20 points with his trademark energy and defense, while Caleb Love provided a bench spark with 18 points, including a pivotal third-quarter three that gave Portland the lead for good. The Blazers’ depth was on full display, as their reserves outplayed Boston’s in the second half.
Notably, former Blazer Anfernee Simons returned to Portland for the first time as a Celtic, scoring 13 points off the bench to a warm ovation from the Moda Center crowd. However, Simons and the Celtics couldn’t overcome poor shooting, finishing just 13-of-45 (28.9%) from three.
Jaylen Brown’s Historic Effort in Vain
For Boston, Jaylen Brown was sensational, pouring in 37 points on 14-of-23 shooting. His performance marked his ninth consecutive 30-point game, tying Larry Bird’s franchise record. Brown carried the load in the first half with 27 points, keeping the Celtics ahead despite missing stars like Jayson Tatum (injured) and others.
“It hurts to lose like this,” Brown said. “I gave everything, but we didn’t execute down the stretch.” Turnovers and missed opportunities in the final minutes doomed Boston, including a crucial strip and failed inbounds play.
Rookie Hugo Gonzalez added 13 points, and Derrick White chipped in with key buckets, but the Celtics’ supporting cast struggled mightily from deep.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game started sloppily for Portland, with Boston jumping to an early lead via turnovers. A video tribute for Simons energized the crowd, and the Blazers responded with a flurry of threes from Avdija, Sharpe, and Clingan.
Boston led by as many as 10 in the third, but Portland’s 14-2 run flipped the script. Caleb Love’s three with 4:30 left put the Blazers ahead permanently at 103-100.
In the clutch, Sharpe was fouled on a fast break, splitting free throws. Brown turned it over, White hit a three to cut it to one, but Clingan’s offensive rebound and free throws iced it. A late steal led to Avdija’s clinching free throws.
The Moda Center erupted as the young Blazers celebrated a statement win.
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Team Stats Breakdown
Portland shot 47.2% from the field and 18-of-51 from three, capitalizing on second chances with Clingan’s rebounding. They forced Boston into 43% shooting and a dismal 29% from deep.
The Blazers improved to 13-19, holding onto 10th in the West, while Boston fell to 19-12, third in the East.
What It Means Moving Forward
For Portland, this win is a morale booster amid injuries and a rebuilding phase. The emergence of Sharpe, Avdija, Clingan, and Camara signals a bright future. They face a quick turnaround against Dallas on Monday.
Boston, despite the loss, showed resilience with Brown’s heroics. They’ll need to regroup for their West Coast swing, starting with Utah.
This upset highlighted the NBA’s parity – even shorthanded contenders can fall to hungry young teams. The Trail Blazers proved they’re no pushover, delivering an exciting, hard-fought victory that will be remembered in Rip City.
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