Portland Trail Blazers' Strong Start Hints at Special NBA Season

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

CenterCharged tone

Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 123-103, with strong performances from Denny Avdija and Damian Lillard. Player Carmelo Anthony believes this could be a special season for Portland, though not championship-level. Analysts suggest the team can reach the top six in the Western Conference despite potential absences. Damian Lillard was named the game's most outstanding player.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Portland Trail Blazers defeated Oklahoma City Thunder 123-103 in a strong NBA season start.
Denny Avdija scored 24 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds in the victory.
Carmelo Anthony sees potential for a "special season" for Portland.
Analysts predict Portland could be a top-six team in the Western Conference.
Damian Lillard was named the game's most outstanding player.

Portland Trail Blazers' Strong Start Hints at Special NBA Season — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Portland Trail Blazers' impressive start to the NBA season continued with a dominant 123-103 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Israeli player Denny Avdija contributed significantly with 24 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Damian Lillard added 25 points to lead the team. Carmelo Anthony expressed optimism about Portland's potential, stating, "This could be a special season for Portland, and I'm happy to see it. Not championship level, but they can take the next step and make a mark in the NBA."

Portland writer Guillermo Motta highlighted the performances of Lillard and Avdija, noting that Sidy Cissoko also made a significant impact with his energy. Motta described the Blazers as having "one of the players in the 'OKC guys' style."

J. Gordon Schultz, host of the "Locked On Blazers" podcast, believes the team can secure a top-six spot in the Western Conference, even without key players like Jah Morant and Shaden Sharpe. He acknowledged that Oklahoma City has dangerous players despite injuries, but still considers them one of the best teams in the West. Schultz praised Jrue Holiday and Sidy Cissoko for their contributions, alongside the consistent play of Lillard and Avdija, ultimately naming Lillard as the most outstanding player of the game.