Portland Trail Blazers Embrace Israeli Star Dani Avivda After Big Win
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
The Portland Trail Blazers maintained their perfect season start with a 136-129 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, handing them their first loss. Israeli player Dani Avivda was a key contributor, earning praise from teammates like Jah Morant and former player Carmelo Anthony. Avivda's offensive prowess and ability to compensate for smaller guards were highlighted, with his role expanding to potentially lead the second unit. His strong performance in the final quarter demonstrated improved stamina compared to last season.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 136-129, remaining undefeated.
- Israeli player Dani Avivda received significant praise for his performance.
- Jah Morant stated it's "fun to play with talent like Dani Avivda."
- Carmelo Anthony called Avivda "the answer" to Portland's offense.
- Avivda's role may expand to leading the second unit, according to reports.
- Avivda showed improved stamina in the crucial fourth quarter.
The Portland Trail Blazers continued their surprising undefeated start to the season, securing a dramatic 136-129 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. This win marks the Lakers' first loss of the season and keeps Portland perfect after three games. A key factor in the team's strong opening has been the performance of Israeli player Dani Avivda, who has been drawing significant praise from teammates, former players, and American media.
Following the game, Jah Morant, a star player who joined Portland this summer, highlighted the team's defensive stops as crucial to overcoming a five-point deficit. He expressed enjoyment in playing alongside teammates like Carmelo Anthony, one of history's great scorers, and Avivda, praising their talent and the team's decisive approach. "It's fun to play with talent like Dani Avivda," Morant was quoted as saying.
Carmelo Anthony, speaking on NBC, analyzed Avivda's contribution, calling him "the answer" for Portland's offense, particularly with his three-point shooting. Anthony noted that Avivda's size compensates for the smaller backcourt of Morant and Damian Lillard, and that his drives to the basket create pressure. He also described Avivda as patient, skilled at finishing, drawing contact, and earning fouls, which eases the offensive burden on Morant and Lillard.
Local media outlet Blazers Edge reported on Avivda's offensive productivity, mentioning coach Mike Neury's strategy of pairing Avivda with the second unit, without Morant or Lillard. This arrangement reportedly gives Avivda more freedom to handle the ball and score. While Morant was initially expected to lead the second unit, Avivda may now be filling that role as a starter who also guides the reserves. Avivda's significant contributions in the crucial fourth quarter, maintaining his energy in the final minutes, were seen as evidence of Portland's depth, contrasting with his fatigue in late-game situations last season when he carried a heavier load.
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