The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 136-129 on the road Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, improving to 3-0 on the season. Now, it’s time for The Sports Rabbi to break down Deni Avdija’s performance.

Avdija’s stats: 33:21 minutes (Portland’s team-high), 23 points, 4/8 on two-pointers, 4/7 from 3-point range, 3/7 from the free-throw line, 4 rebounds (2 offensive), 9 assists, 3 turnovers, 1 steal, 4 fouls and a +8 plus-minus.

Avdija’s grade: 9/10

The game got off to a somewhat rough start. Portland trailed by as many as 11 points in the first quarter as Luka Dončić did whatever he wanted on the court, while Avdija struggled to make an impact. Dončić finished the opening period with 16 points, while Avdija had four, as the Trail Blazers trailed 38-32.

Avdija began to find his rhythm in the second quarter, showcasing his ability to attack the basket and knocking down his first triple of the night. However, he also picked up his fourth foul before halftime. He entered the break with 12 points, compared to Dončić’s 24, as Portland trailed 73-68.

In the third quarter, Portland once again fell behind by 11 before fighting its way back into the game, ending the period down just 103-102. Avdija added two points to bring his total to 14, scoring on a coast-to-coast drive that showcased his turbocharged speed.

The fourth quarter was a tight affair. Avdija continued to excel as a playmaker, finding teammates on the perimeter and knocking down a three-pointer that gave Portland an eight-point lead. He also set up Robert Williams for an alley-oop.

Avdija stepped up again when it mattered most, delivering both as a scorer and a facilitator. He scored a terrific putback off an offensive rebound to give Portland a 118-116 lead. Later, with the Trail Blazers ahead by just one, he buried a huge 3-pointer off an assist from Damian Lillard.

In the final minute, with Portland holding a 3-point advantage, Avdija returned the favor by finding Lillard, who knocked down one from deep to bring the Trail Blazers closer to victory as the two celebrated in absolute euphoria.

Avdija did miss free throws in the final 30 seconds that could have put the game away with Portland leading by six. Jrue Holiday also missed his first free throw, but the Lakers were unable to mount another comeback.

Overall, it was an excellent performance from Avdija. Dončić was the best player on the floor, finishing with 41 points on 6/15 shooting from 3-point range, along with nine assists and five rebounds. The Lakers outscored Portland by seven points during his 37 minutes on the court, but the Trail Blazers ultimately managed to overcome his brilliance, with Avdija among their standout performers.

Portland’s trio of stars—Ja Morant (23 points), Avdija (23) and Lillard (21)—performed brilliantly, while Holiday chipped in with 22 points of his own.

Avdija’s +8 plus-minus means Portland was outscored by one point during the minutes he sat on the bench. On an individual level, he showcased his ability to attack the basket, knock down shots from beyond the arc and create opportunities for his teammates, although his struggles at the free-throw line remained a blemish on an otherwise outstanding night.

This was a terrific road win for Portland, which continues to show that it has lofty ambitions this season. It also marks the first time in Avdija’s career that he has opened a season with a 3-0 record.

The Trail Blazers’ next game will be at home against the Memphis Grizzlies overnight Thursday into Friday at 4:00 a.m. Israel time, and we can’t wait.