----- Franz Wagner scored a team-high 23 points and Cole Anthony and Moritz Wagner combined for 35 points off the bench as the Orlando Magic spoiled the Portland Trail Blazers home opener 102-97 Friday night at Moda Center.
Shaedon Sharpe made the most of his opportunity on Friday night.
With the news that Anfernee Simons would be out 4-6 weeks (thumb surgery), Blazers Coach Chauncy Billups made the announcement that Sharpe would move into the starting lineup next to Scoot Henderson and the young man answered the call.
Sharpe finished with a team-high 24 points on 9-of-24 shooting.
“I put the work in so I'm not really fazed by anything,” Sharpe said about stepping into Simon's role. “I trust my teammates. I like the group of guys we've got here.”
Scoot Henderson struggled early with foul trouble. He finished with seven points and two assists.
Portland trailed 82-80 going into the fourth quarter after Moritz Wagner’s dunk. The Magic pushed the lead to 97-84 after Franz Wagner's three-pointer, but the Blazers got within 99-93 with 1:33 left.
After Franz Wagner made one of two free throws, Deandre Ayton's tip-in made it a five-point game but Portland couldn't get closer.
Simons, wearing a splint on his thumb, addressed the crowd at Moda Center before Friday's game.
“We've got a lot of new faces and a lot of things to be excited about," Simons told the crowd. "We're hoping we make you proud this season by the way we play.”
Up Next- The Trail Blazers travel to Philadelphia to meet the 76ers on Sunday afternoon. The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:30 PM.
Chad's Take- Shaedon Sharpe made the most of his opportunity with Simons out of the lineup.