Avdija Shines as Portland Trail Blazers Hand Lakers First Loss

Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija played a pivotal role as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 136-129 on Wednesday, marking the Lakers' first loss of the season and extending Portland's perfect start to 3-0. Avdija finished the game with an impressive 23 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds, emerging as Portland's standout performer in the crucial final quarter. The Trail Blazers outscored the Lakers 34-26 in the fourth quarter to complete a comeback victory.

The Lakers had led for most of the game, but a scoring drought at the beginning of the fourth quarter allowed Portland to rally. Avdija hit a key three-pointer to give the Blazers a 114-106 lead, their largest of the game, with 8:31 remaining. Despite the Lakers fighting back, Avdija continued to lead Portland, contributing assists and scoring crucial baskets. He provided an assist for a basket that made it 116-112, grabbed a rebound for a 118-116 score, assisted Damian Lillard for a three-pointer to extend the lead to 124-121, and later added another three-pointer to make it 128-124 with under three minutes to play.

Although Luka Dončić scored to narrow the gap to 132-129, Avdija secured the ball, drove to the basket, and assisted Lillard for a game-sealing three-pointer with 42 seconds left, putting Portland up 135-129. Avdija then missed two free throws after a slight touch on the rim during a Lakers' shot attempt, but the Lakers' subsequent turnover allowed Portland to celebrate their significant win.