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Deni Avdija achieved a personal record of 30 points in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a comeback victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, 125-112, at the Moda Center.
The 24-year-old Israeli forward completed 10 out of 18 attempts from the field, which included three successful three-pointers, while playing nearly 38 minutes. He also contributed nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Belgian teammate Toumani Camara added eight points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. With the game’s outcome already determined on Tuesday, French player Rayan Rupert played 1:11 in the fourth quarter but did not score.
“I feel vastly different compared to the start of the year, particularly regarding our style of play, ball distribution, and overall team chemistry,” Avdija commented. “I approached the game with aggression, focusing on making plays and bringing energy. They tried to play physical with me early on, but honestly, it just made me smile. Other than that, the key is not to overthink it; it’s about taking it one game at a time. I’m pleased we secured the win.”
After facing a 12-point deficit in the first half, the Blazers surged in the second half, achieving a commanding 19-point lead. Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo put forth a stellar performance with a game-high 39 points, along with 12 rebounds and five assists, yet it wasn’t enough for the team under Coach Doc Rivers.
In the Chase Center, German guard Dennis Schroder, despite nursing a left knee injury after the third quarter, led the Golden State Warriors with a team-high of 23 points, enabling them to pull away late and defeat the Utah Jazz, 114-103. He finished with 8 out of 20 shooting, alongside five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dutch player Quinten Post contributed ten points, five rebounds, and two assists. The Jazz missed Finnish Lauri Markkanen due to a back issue, while Ukrainian Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk recorded five points, four rebounds, and one assist.
At State Farm Arena, the Houston Rockets secured a narrow 100-96 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Turkish player Alperen Sengun recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, plus two assists and one steal. Vit Krejci of the Hawks ended his night with 13 points, five rebounds, two steals, two assists, and one block. French player Zaccharie Risacher was sidelined with a left adductor strain, while Serbian Bogdan Bogdanovic and Swiss Clint Capela missed the game for personal reasons and back spasms, respectively.
After momentarily leaving the game due to a right knee injury, French player Guerschon Yabusele played a significant role for the Philadelphia 76ers in their 118-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center. He scored 14 points, with ten coming in the first quarter, and added five rebounds, four steals, and three assists, complementing Tyrese Maxey’s impressive 43-point performance. Turkish player Adem Bona contributed four points, six rebounds, three blocks, and one assist.
Game Results:
– Atlanta Hawks 96 – 100 Houston Rockets
– Philadelphia 76ers 118 – 104 Los Angeles Lakers
– Golden State Warriors 114 – 103 Utah Jazz
– Portland Trail Blazers 125 – 112 Milwaukee Bucks
Current Standings:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers 37-9
2. Boston Celtics 32-15
3. New York Knicks 31-16
4. Milwaukee Bucks 26-19
5. Indiana Pacers 25-20
6. Miami Heat 23-22
7. Orlando Magic 24-24
8. Detroit Pistons 23-23
9. Atlanta Hawks 22-25
10. Chicago Bulls 20-27
11. Philadelphia 76ers 18-27
12. Toronto Raptors 14-32
13. Brooklyn Nets 14-33
14. Charlotte Hornets 12-31
15. Washington Wizards 6-39
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 37-8
2. Houston Rockets 32-14
3. Memphis Grizzlies 31-16
4. Denver Nuggets 28-18
5. Los Angeles Lakers 26-19
6. Los Angeles Clippers 26-20
7. Minnesota Timberwolves 25-21
8. Phoenix Suns 24-21
9. Dallas Mavericks 25-22
10. Sacramento Kings 24-22
11. Golden State Warriors 23-23
12. San Antonio Spurs 20-23
13. Portland Trail Blazers 18-29
14. New Orleans Pelicans 12-35
15. Utah Jazz 10-35
Note: The top six teams from each conference secure playoff spots, while teams ranked seventh to tenth proceed to the Play-In tournament.
