The Portland Trail Blazers cruised to a 124-83 home victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Moda Center on Wednesday night, opening their NBA seasons in emphatic fashion. Now, it’s time for The Sports Rabbi to break down Deni Avdija’s performance.

Avdija’s Stats: 23:27 minutes, 18 points, 5/11 on two-pointers, 2/4 from 3-point range, 2/4 from the free-throw line, 10 rebounds (3 offensive), 4 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 steals, 1 foul, and a +25 plus/minus.

Avdija’s Grade: 9/10

Avdija, who was listed as questionable for the contest, ultimately earned a spot in the starting lineup. He opened with an assist and helped lead Portland’s dream start. He followed that up with an inside basket, knocked down a three-pointer off an assist from Damian Lillard and drew a trip to the free-throw line as the Trail Blazers raced out to a stunning 21-0 lead after six minutes. During that stretch, Avdija also grabbed several rebounds. Portland closed the first quarter with an extraordinary 43-12 advantage.

In the second quarter, Avdija missed a couple of opportunities on powerful drives to the basket and also failed to connect from beyond the arc. However, he continued to pull down rebounds and set up Toumani Camara for an alley-oop. After those misses, Avdija made an excellent drive to the basket. At the end of the first half, he even tried to pull off a three-pointer reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard’s iconic shot against Philadelphia. Portland took a commanding 72-39 lead into the break after stretching its advantage to as many as 38 points.

Avdija came out strong to start the second half, opening with an inside basket before knocking down another three-pointer. He then sparked an excellent sequence by grabbing a rebound and, while falling to the floor, dishing the ball to Lillard, who created a basket for Ja Morant. With a few minutes remaining in the third quarter, Avdija had already recorded a double-double. He later received a beautiful pass from Lillard and finished at the rim as Portland closed the period with a commanding 107-66 lead.

Avdija sat out the fourth quarter to rest as the Trail Blazers’ advantage grew to as many as 53 points.

The Bottom Line

It was an excellent way for both Portland and Avdija to open the season. He helped ignite the Trail Blazers’ dream start against the same team they faced in last season’s Play-In Tournament, while his chemistry with the team’s two other stars, standout performer Lillard (25 points, 6/10 from three-point range, 6 assists) and Morant (14 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists) is already an exciting prospect.

Avdija attacked the basket, knocked down shots from the perimeter and created opportunities for his teammates. Of course, Phoenix played a role in the blowout by struggling to respond, while Portland took full advantage. Still, the possibility that the Trail Blazers could emerge as contenders near the top of the standings makes their season an intriguing one to follow.

Portland’s next game will take place overnight Friday into Saturday at 5:00 a.m. Israel time, when the Trail Blazers visit the Sacramento Kings, featuring Israeli guard Emanuel Sharp.