YnetSports10:45

Avdija Stars as Trail Blazers Thrash Suns in NBA Season Opener

By ynet ספורט

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

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Hebrew · 7 newsrooms covering

The Portland Trail Blazers, led by Deni Avdija's double-double, opened their NBA season with a resounding 124-83 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Avdija scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, contributing to a historic 21-0 run in the first quarter. The win also marked a triumphant return for Damian Lillard and a debut for coach the coach. The Trail Blazers will face Emmanuel Sharp's Sacramento Kings next.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Deni Avdija recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the Trail Blazers' season-opening win.
Portland Trail Blazers set an NBA record with a 21-0 run to start their game against the Phoenix Suns.
The Trail Blazers defeated the Phoenix Suns 124-83 in their first game of the NBA season.
The game marked the return of star player Damian Lillard and the debut of coach the coach.
Portland will play Sacramento next, featuring an Israeli matchup against Emmanuel Sharp.

Avdija Stars as Trail Blazers Thrash Suns in NBA Season Opener — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Portland Trail Blazers, with Israeli player Deni Avdija in the starting lineup, launched their NBA season with a dominant 124-83 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. Avdija, who had been questionable due to an ankle injury, delivered a strong performance, recording a double-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in 23 minutes. The Trail Blazers established control early, unleashing a remarkable 21-0 run in the first quarter, the largest opening run in the NBA over the past 25 seasons. Their first-quarter dominance culminated in a staggering 43-12 lead, setting the tone for the entire game.

The team's overwhelming win marked a celebratory return for star player Damian Lillard and a debut for coach the coach. American sports media lauded the Trail Blazers' performance, with headlines emphasizing their "electrifying show" and "total control" over the Suns. The depth and versatility of the Portland squad were highlighted, with multiple players contributing significantly.

Lillard expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the Portland fans, calling his connection with the city "special." Jah Morant, returning after an 18-month layoff, also spoke about the impact of Lillard's pre-game speech and his own performance. Coach the coach, in his NBA coaching debut, admitted the team's explosive start exceeded his wildest expectations.

The Trail Blazers will look to carry this momentum into their next game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, which will feature an Israeli matchup against Emmanuel Sharp, who scored 8 points in his NBA debut for the Kings in their loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.