Shaedon Sharpe leaves the Grizzlies game with a calf injury

The Portland Trail Blazers finally got back in the win column on Friday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 135–115 to snap a six-game losing streak and improve to 24–28 on the season, good for 10th in the Western Conference. Although the victory was convincing, it was tempered by the loss of the guard Shaedon Sharpewho did not return after halftime due to a left calf injury.

Sharp left the game after 14 minutes of play in the first half. Before he left, he had two points on 2-of-2 free throws, two rebounds and two assists while missing both field goal attempts. Portland announced at halftime that Sharp would not be returning due to painful left calfand Sidi Sissoko replaced him in the starting lineup to open the third quarter. The team did not disclose the severity of the injury.

Sharpe, who signed a four-year, $90 million contract with the Blazers last October, is averaging 21.4 points per game in 30 minutes, along with 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 48 games. He shoots 45.6 percent from the field, 34.0 percent from three points, and 78.4 percent from the free throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 55.0.

If the 22-year-old misses additional time, increased minutes could be available for Cissoko, Vito Krejci and Blake Wesley, all of whom are already part of Portland’s rotation.

Sharpe’s early departure didn’t stop the Blazers from taking control after settling into the game. Portland trailed 36–25 after the first quarter and trailed by as many as 15 points, but rallied to take a 68–64 lead into halftime. The Blazers outscored Memphis 67–51 in the second half, including a 38–23 third quarter that put the game out of reach.

Jeremy Grant led Portland with 23 points, while Jrue Holiday added 20 points and seven assists. Eight Blazers finished in double figures, including Krejci and Scoot Henderson, who each scored 11 points. He is making his season debut after recovering from a left hamstring injuryHenderson played just over 21 minutes and scored 11 points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal, but also had five turnovers and four fouls.

Donovan Klingan controlled the paint with 13 points and 17 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass. His effort helped Portland score 13 second-chance points against a lackluster Grizzlies team.

The teams will meet again Saturday night in Portland before the Trail Blazers host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.