NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
•Purchase NBA League Pass NOW
WASHINGTON (AP) — Since being drafted seventh overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2022 NBA Draft, Shaedon Sharpe has emerged as one of the league’s most talented young dunkers. However, he reached new heights on Wednesday night—perhaps quite literally.
Sharpe’s explosive one-handed dunk over a poorly positioned Justin Champagnie quickly garnered attention as one of the top dunks of the NBA season. He described it as the best dunk of his career, contributing to a stellar overall performance in Portland’s 129-121 victory against the Washington Wizards.
“I just started laughing, like, ‘Wow, that poor kid under him,’” remarked Portland coach Chauncey Billups regarding the impressive dunk. “That was simply amazing.”
chat.. did we just witness the greatest dunk in the history of the universe pic.twitter.com/5a9WdltCrt
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 27, 2025
At just 21 years old, Sharpe led the Trail Blazers with a career-best 36 points, shooting 13-for-26 from the field and hitting 7 of 10 free throws, including four consecutive ones at a critical moment.
His memorable dunk was set up by a sharp defensive play where he intercepted Champagnie’s pass well beyond the arc. After taking a dribble into the key, he leapt so high that even his teammates were left astonished.
“I have no idea where he gets that from,” said Blazers forward Deni Avdija. “I asked him on the bench, ‘If I put in maximum effort, will I be able to jump like you?’ I don’t know, maybe it’s just genetics.”
The sheer power of Sharpe’s dunk caused him to fall briefly to the court after he slammed the ball through the net.
“I saw the guy in my way,” Sharpe explained, “so I just jumped and went for the dunk. And it went in.”
EVERYBODY shook but Shae 😭🤣 pic.twitter.com/HL95mkP2Uq
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 27, 2025
In 33 minutes on the court, Sharpe also collected eight rebounds—just one shy of matching another career high—and recorded five assists.
“His offensive performance was phenomenal,” Billups commented. “It truly was. He was exceptional at all three levels the entire game. I also thought he played solid defense. And his rebounding was crucial—he secured some incredibly important boards for us.”
