Avdija and Portland Blow 16-Point Lead, Fall to Dončić's Mavericks
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Israeli player Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers lost their NBA Cup debut to the Los Angeles Lakers, 124-118, after squandering a 16-point lead. Avdija recorded 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists in the loss. Luka Dončić led the Lakers' comeback with a dominant performance. The Trail Blazers are now 2-6 in the tournament.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Deni Avdija posted 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists in Portland's NBA Cup loss.
- Portland blew a 16-point lead against the Los Angeles Lakers, losing 124-118.
- Luka Dončić led the Lakers' comeback with a strong offensive performance.
- The Trail Blazers now have a 2-6 record in the NBA Cup.
- Avdija committed 8 turnovers in the 38 minutes he played.
Portland, featuring Israeli player Deni Avdija, lost their NBA Cup debut to the Los Angeles Lakers, 124-118. Avdija had a strong performance with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals, though he also committed 8 turnovers in 38 minutes. The Trail Blazers now hold a 2-6 record in the tournament.
The game started promisingly for Portland, who led by as many as 16 points in the first half, finishing the first quarter up 29-20 and the second quarter 51-35. However, Luka Dončić rallied the Lakers, even hitting a half-court shot at the end of the second quarter to cut the deficit to 60-53 by halftime. Avdija had 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists at the break.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter. Avdija struggled with missed shots and turnovers, while Dončić was unstoppable, leading a 17-0 run that gave the Lakers a 76-68 lead. By the end of the third quarter, Los Angeles was ahead 87-75, with Dončić scoring 40 points and Avdija's scoring stalled.
Despite Avdija and Damian Lillard attempting a comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 112-108 with under a minute remaining, Jake LaRavia and Austin Reaves hit crucial three-pointers. Ultimately, Dončić sealed the victory for the Lakers, preventing Portland's comeback.
The loss occurred during the NBA Cup group stage, with Portland in Group C alongside Golden State, Sacramento, and San Antonio.
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