The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors 123-118 at home Wednesday night in their first preseason game ahead of the 2026-27 NBA campaign and with that it\u2019s the perfect time for The Sports Rabbi to analyze Deni Avdija\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n
Avdija\u2019s statistics: 21:01 minutes, 23 points, 6-of-7 from two-point range, 3-of-6 from three-point range, 2-of-4 from the free-throw line, 2 rebounds (1 offensive), 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls and a -2 plus\/minus.<\/p>\n
Avdija\u2019s grade \u2013 9.5<\/strong><\/p>\n Avdija opened the game with the first points of the contest thanks to a terrific drive and continued to showcase excellent play, scoring 14 points in the first quarter as he knocked down three-pointers and continued to attack the basket effectively. Portland controlled the game, but Golden State remained within striking distance and eventually fought its way back. Avdija did not score in the second quarter, but he returned to his dominant ways in the third, including a stretch in which he scored while drawing a foul. <\/p>\n He missed the ensuing free throw, but shortly afterward came up with an offensive-rebound basket following a miss by his team. Avdija reached 23 points after scoring nine in the third quarter, while he and Portland\u2019s other key players did not play in the fourth.<\/p>\n The Dame-Deni duo needed no time \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 https:\/\/t.co\/S5Q0avjGRB<\/p>\n — Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 8, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n