The Portland Trail Blazers’ 2025-26 season has been a mixed bag, but the team has the potential to succeed. Deni Avdija’s rise has been fantastic to watch for Blazers fans, as he is playing All-Star-level basketball. After a slow start, Shaedon Sharpe’s potential has also been prominent for Portland.

The Winning Formula for the Trail Blazers’ 2025-26 Season

After Chauncey Billups’ controversial suspension, many counted out the Portland Trail Blazers’ season. It was only one game in, but the Blazers were already struggling with something they could not control. That was when interim head coach Tiago Splitter stepped up.

He joined in the summer as an assistant coach, making him a fresh face for most. However, he went through an entire training camp with the players, so they were familiar with him. Splitter has experience as both a coach and former NBA player.

This kind of experience matters because the players have come to respect him and his resume.  It has been an excellent time for the young head coach because they are 6-4 with him in charge. He has unlocked a solid, promising winning formula for the team. They even dealt the Oklahoma City Thunder their sole loss so far this season.

Continuing to Unlock Sharpe’s Potential

To start the season, Shaedon Sharpe was not having a good campaign in the Blazers’ ugly offense. After a promising preseason, the first few games were disappointing. However, Sharpe was only struggling with a calf injury that was detrimental to his performances.

Now, Sharpe is healthy and back to playing his best; he is showing that he is the most explosive player. Everyone in the Blazers organization knows Sharpe’s potential is limitless, and he is proving it in the past few games. Combine that with Deni Avdija’s rise, and Portland has a fantastic partnership.

Shaedon Sharpe 35 points on 13/18, +20 pic.twitter.com/nwzyJmJoVS

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 13, 2025

In Sharpe’s last two games, he is averaging 33 points on 69.4% shooting from the field. This is one of the most impressive stretches of Sharpe’s career so far. Everyone knows he is a tremendous talent, but he has lacked that aggression that could make him a star.

That trait has been prominent during the past two games. Sharpe is making the most of his biggest strengths, his athleticism and finishing at the rim. During these two games, Sharpe has scored all 20 of his rim attempts, which is outrageous for any player.

As long as he keeps this up, the Blazers have a star on their hands. He is not only impacting the game as a slasher, but also opening up opportunities for jump shots. With the threat of him dunking over the big man, defenders will play against him differently.

Riding Avdija’s Rise to Stardom

Aside from Sharpe’s recent turnaround, Avdija has been the Blazers’ best player. He has been excellent to start the season, averaging 26.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. This level of production was only present in Portland before Damian Lillard’s exit in 2023.

Even if Lillard has made his return, Avdija has taken over as the team’s star. Of course, it is a small sample size, but he has been the go-to guy. Any time the Blazers need a bucket, they give the ball to Avdija. He can generate looks for himself and his teammates, which is a good trait for a star-level player.

Portland wants to keep winning in this make-or-break campaign, so riding the momentum is good. Avdija can have weaker performances, like the game against the Orlando Magic, but he still finds ways to be impactful.

Considering the Blazers still have Lillard and Scoot Henderson sidelined, they will need players like Avdija to step up. This might be a good stretch, but it looks sustainable if he can keep it up.

Sticking to What Works on Defense

Whenever anyone watches the Trail Blazers, they must know that defense is the team’s focus. With Jrue Holiday and his veteran leadership, Portland has improved on both ends. However, they were already a superb defensive team before his arrival.

Look at the impact of having Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara on defense together. Jokic points at Braun to screen to get Sharpe in action. Blazers switch but Jrue doubles right away. Recovers to the drive and Camara is right there to block the shot. pic.twitter.com/G8IoiWiicS

— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) November 1, 2025

With Toumani Camara earning an NBA All-Defensive Second Team nod, he is well-known already. However, Donovan Clingan has been excellent as the defensive anchor in the paint. Players like Kris Murray, Sharpe, and Blake Wesley have also stepped up as superb defenders.

Splitter knew that defense was one of Billups’ strengths during his tenure. The interim head coach made sure to double down and continue to cement Portland’s defense as one of the league’s best. That has been a focal point in the Blazers’ 2025-26 season and a big part of their winning formula.

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