Scoot Henderson is finally showing why he was such a highly touted prospect. Over the past week, the Portland Trail Blazers’ second year guard has put together his best stretch of basketball as a pro.
Let’s rewind to last Saturday when Scoot had a forgettable night against the Miami Heat, going 1-for-6 in just 21 minutes. It was the kind of performance we’d seen too often from the young guard this season.
He shook off a rough night, and proceeded to go nuts.
Against the Brooklyn Nets last Tuesday, Henderson exploded for 39 points and 6 assists, including a scorching 8-for-10 from three-point range. While it was an incredible showing, it felt like an outlier. How could it not be? But then came the games against the Clippers, Rockets, and Bulls.
In each of these contests, Scoot looked like the Blazers’ best player on the court. He followed up his Nets performance with 16 points and six assists against the Clippers in a rough loss. Then, coming off the bench against the Rockets, he dropped 21 points and 11 assists. To cap off the week, he poured in 25 points with eight assists against the Bulls.
What’s most encouraging about this stretch is how Henderson is impacting the game. He’s not just relying on hot shooting nights. He’s getting to the free-throw line, making plays for others, and showing a level of consistency we haven’t seen before.
Of course, there are still areas for improvement. Turnovers remain an issue, and he’s missed his share of layups. But for the first time in his young career, we can confidently say that Scoot Henderson has been good – and at times, he’s been the Blazers’ best player.
This feels different from previous flashes. It’s not just one hot shooting night or a favorable matchup. Henderson is showing he can impact games against quality opponents like the Rockets, who boast an elite defense.
The challenge now is for the Blazers to nurture this growth. They need to ensure Henderson gets consistent minutes and opportunities to build on this momentum. It’s clear — or at least as close to clear as its ever been — that when given the chance, Scoot can be a difference-maker for this team.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Scoot Henderson’s recent performances, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
• Shaedon Sharpe’s move to the bench and its implications
• The Blazers’ recent games against the Rockets and Bulls
• Deni Avdija’s return and impact on the team
