An unexpected source spearheaded the Portland Trail Blazers’ defense several times during Tuesday night’s preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors: Shaedon Sharpe.

The mild-mannered fourth-year guard, who head coach Chauncey Billups demoted to the bench for 18 games last January due to a lack of defensive focus, was flying around the Moda Center floor during the 118-111 loss. He pressed ball-handlers 94 feet from the basket, deftly navigated around screens and scrambled out to shooters to keep Portland’s rotations intact.

The activity helped Sharpe register three steals. More importantly, it was the type of energy and engagement that Billups has been challenging Sharpe to bring on that end.

“I’m seeing just a high level of focus,” Billups said about Sharpe’s performance. “I t

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