In first for an Israeli, Avdija leads Portland to NBA playoffs with 41 points
The Times of Israel • • general
Key Points:
- Deni Avdija scored 41 points and made a crucial go-ahead 3-point play with 16.1 seconds left, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 114-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the NBA play-in tournament.
- The Blazers overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, with Avdija also contributing 12 assists and sealing the win by drawing a foul on a layup and completing the free throw.
- Portland secured the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the San Antonio Spurs, marking the first NBA playoff appearance for an Israeli player.
- Phoenix’s Jalen Green led his team with 35 points, while Devin Booker added 22, but the Suns ultimately lost after a late missed 3-pointer by Green and a key defensive play by Matisse Thybulle.
- The game featured multiple lead changes in the final minutes, highlighted by Jerami Grant’s return and pivotal plays from both teams during an intense finish.
