Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija recently reflected on the team’s exit from the NBA Cup after a 115-102 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs. This loss meant that the Blazers missed an opportunity to clinch Group C in the Western Conference.
Deni Avdija on the Tough Loss
Following the game, Avdija shared his thoughts with the media. “We wanted that game. It was a good opportunity for us to advance in the Cup. We fought hard and stayed in the game, but it was a challenging contest,” he said.
Learning Experience
Avdija described the match as an invaluable learning experience, comparing it to a playoff atmosphere. “Although I’m not experienced, this game provided a tough test for us,” he added. “From this, we can learn a lot for future situations.”
Avdija’s Standout Performance
In the game against the Spurs, Avdija displayed exceptional skills, playing for 40 minutes. He scored 37 points, recorded eight assists, and collected six rebounds. This performance has made him the standout player for the Blazers this season.
Impressive Season Averages
Throughout the season, Avdija has participated in 19 games, averaging:
- 25.5 points per game
- 6.4 rebounds per game
- 5.5 assists per game
He has also boasted a shooting percentage of 47.8% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc, along with an 80.3% free throw shooting rate.
Future Potential
At just 24 years old, Avdija is establishing himself as a well-rounded player and a core part of the Blazers’ future. His versatility provides the franchise with invaluable flexibility moving forward, despite the current challenges the team faces.
Avdija emphasized the importance of learning from this experience, stating, “It was a disappointing loss, but a good opportunity to grow for the future.” The Blazers are looking to rebound from this setback as they aim to build a stronger foundation for years to come.
For more updates on the Portland Trail Blazers, check out additional coverage on El-Balad.
