Avdija and Morant's 'Cigarette' Celebration Goes Viral After Blazers' Season Opener

Israeli player Deni Avdija and teammate Ja Morant were central figures in the Portland Trail Blazers' dominant 124-83 season-opening victory over the Phoenix Suns. A highlight that captured significant online attention occurred in the first half when Damian Lillard found Avdija with a cross-court pass, leading to a successful three-pointer by the Israeli. Following the shot, Morant approached Avdija and mimed lighting an imaginary cigar, a gesture Avdija embraced, sparking a viral celebration.

The moment quickly spread across social media, particularly on the NBA's Reddit page, where it garnered hundreds of upvotes and enthusiastic comments. Fans described the celebration as "insane" and "smoking Phoenix," with some calling it "one of the greatest celebrations ever." The chemistry between Avdija and Morant was also praised, with one user noting, "The chemistry looks great," and another adding, "I love the Ja era in Portland so far, the vibes are 1000%."

The celebration gained added significance due to the players' past interactions. Last season, when Morant was with the Memphis Grizzlies, he and Avdija exchanged words during a game after Avdija was accused of attempting to trip a Grizzlies player. Morant had to be restrained from confronting Avdija. Their current camaraderie, showcased in their first official game together as teammates, presented a stark contrast to that incident.

Beyond the viral moment, the Blazers' overall performance impressed observers. Blazer's Edge noted the team appeared "coordinated and fluid," highlighting their unity in defense and ball movement. Morant concluded his debut with 14 points, eight assists, and three steals, while Avdija contributed 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Bleacher Report addressed concerns about how Morant, Lillard, and Avdija would share the ball, concluding that if the season opener is any indication, "Portland has nothing to fear."