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Deni Avdija's Minutes Allocation in Portland's Season Opener Sparks Intrigue
The Portland Trail Blazers opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a dominant 124-83 home victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Portland established total control from the outset, launching an early 21-0 scoring run and leading by as much as 51 points, while holding Phoenix to 36% shooting.
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What happened
- 01The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Phoenix Suns 124-83 at home to open their 2026-27 NBA season.
- 02Portland established an early 21-0 scoring run and led by as much as 51 points during the game.
- 03Israeli forward Deni Avdija recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.
- 04Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 25 points in his return to the Moda Center.
- 05New acquisition Ja Morant contributed 14 points and eight assists in his debut for Portland.
- 06The Trail Blazers played without Shaedon Sharpe, who is expected to miss six months with a knee injury.
- 07Following the victory, players celebrated by dousing coach Nuri with water in the locker room.
- 08Portland will play its next game on the road against the Sacramento Kings.
Israeli forward Deni Avdija, playing despite a right ankle sprain, recorded a double-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 23 minutes. Avdija, who was selected to his first NBA All-Star game last season, tied with Robert Williams III for the team high in rebounds.
Damian Lillard led Portland's scoring with 25 points in his return to the Moda Center, and new acquisition Ja Morant added 14 points and eight assists. The team achieved the 41-point victory without Shaedon Sharpe, who is sidelined for approximately six months due to a knee injury.
Following the game, Portland players celebrated in the locker room by dousing coach Nuri with water. Coach Nuri praised the team's collective effort and introduced a new boxing glove award for the player of the game, which was presented to Lillard. The Trail Blazers will next play an away game against the Sacramento Kings.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 7 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: N12. Read N12’s original
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Deni Avdija's Minutes Allocation in Portland's Season Opener Sparks Intrigue