Deni Avdija Drops 41 Points as Blazers Survive Rockets Late Rally in Portland
The game reached a fever pitch in the final seconds when Kevin Durant missed a 19 foot jumper with 2.1 seconds left. Tari Eason soared through the air to tip in the rebound just as the red light on the backboard flashed. The Rockets bench rushed the court in celebration, believing they had secured a one point victory. However, after a meticulous video review, officials determined the ball was still in contact with Eason’s fingertips by a fraction of a second as time expired. The basket was waved off, handing Portland the win.
Deni Avdija’s Career Night
Portland was led by a sensational performance from Deni Avdija, who poured in a season high 41 points to carry the Blazers' offense. Avdija was relentless, scoring through contact and hitting multiple three point plays in the fourth quarter to keep Portland ahead. His 41 points tied for the most by any Rockets opponent this season. Shaedon Sharpe also contributed 29 points and hit a massive three pointer late in the game that helped Portland weather a furious Houston comeback led by Kevin Durant.
Despite the loss, Kevin Durant was spectacular for Houston, finishing with 37 points on 14 of 26 shooting. The Rockets dominated the glass, outrebounding Portland 57-38 and grabbing a staggering 24 offensive boards, but they were plagued by poor shooting percentages. Houston hit just 8 of 36 from three point range and missed 9 crucial free throws. Coach Ime Udoka was visibly frustrated after the game, calling the team’s defensive discipline horrendous despite their effort on the boards.
This victory marks the fourth straight win for the Trail Blazers, who improve to 18-20 and move closer to a play in spot in the Western Conference. The Rockets fall to 22-12 and continue to miss the presence of star center Alperen Sengun, who is sidelined with a sprained ankle. The two teams won’t have to wait long to settle the score, as they are scheduled for a rematch at the Moda Center this Friday night. Houston will look to clean up their defensive rotations to avoid another heartbreaking finish.