Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers sent a loud signal to the rest of the NBA, scoring a statement 118-110 road victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
The Israeli forward spearheaded Portland's rally from a double-digit deficit, dropping a season-high 28 points - including nine crucial points in the fourth quarter - to power the Blazers to an impressive 5-1 start to the season and snap an 18-game regular-season losing streak in Denver.
If anyone believed Portland's red-hot opening stretch was a fluke, Avdija and his teammates provided a definitive answer in Colorado. Taking down one of the Western Conference's primary title contenders, the Blazers showcased remarkable resilience. Avdija anchored the effort across 35 minutes of action, finishing with 28 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Though he shot just 2-of-9 from beyond the arc, he remained relentless, shooting 10-of-22 overall and 6-of-9 from the free-throw line while stepping up repeatedly as the focal point in clutch time.
The win carries historic weight for the franchise, putting an end to a long-standing dry spell at Ball Arena. Facing off against Jokic and Jamal Murray, the visitors stood toe-to-toe with elite competition and executed down the stretch when the game hung in the balance.
Nuggets take early control before Blazers rally
Early on, it looked as though the night would belong to the hosts. Denver took control in the opening quarter, capitalizing on cold perimeter shooting from Portland to open up a 31-19 lead after 12 minutes. The Blazers managed just 34.8% shooting from the field and 2-of-10 from three-point range in the frame.
Rather than letting the game slip away, Portland responded in the second quarter with a 34-point surge, converting 12-of-23 shots from the floor and 6-of-13 from deep to cut into the deficit. By aggressively attacking the rim and getting to the line, the Blazers dragged themselves right back into the contest.
The battle intensified after halftime. Murray was sensational for Denver, pouring in 35 points behind four three-pointers and an 11-of-11 night at the line, while Jokic filled the stat sheet with 26 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. Yet even that combined firepower was not enough to halt Portland's momentum.
Avdija takes over in clutch time
Avdija took over in the final period, scoring nine points and orchestrating much of the offense against Denver's defensive adjustments. Every time the Nuggets made a push, Portland countered - highlighted by a late three-pointer from Toumani Camara and a signature bucket from Avdija to seal the win.
Avdija's aggressive rim pressure proved pivotal throughout the game, forcing the defense to collapse and creating open looks for his teammates even when his own jumper was inconsistent.
Supporting cast and paint dominance seal the victory
The supporting cast delivered in key moments. Damian Lillard posted 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists, compensating for an off shooting night by going 9-of-10 from the line and providing steady veteran poise. Off the bench, Jrue Holiday nearly recorded a triple-double, contributing 17 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds on an efficient 7-of-11 from the field and 3-of-4 from deep.
The true difference maker, however, was Portland's dominance in the paint. Center Donovan Clingan turned in a monster performance, pulling down 18 rebounds (nine offensive) to go along with 17 points and four blocks. Portland outrebounded Denver 21-9 on the offensive glass, generating 17 more field-goal attempts than the Nuggets and overcoming a significant free-throw disparity (Denver attempted 34 free throws to Portland's 21).
Portland also controlled the perimeter narrative, knocking down 15-of-41 three-pointers compared to Denver's 9-of-26, with eight different Blazers connecting from distance.
For Micah Nori's squad, this early-November victory carries genuine weight. Even with Ja Morant sidelined, Portland's blend of youth and experience is quickly proving capable of pushing past early-season expectations. At the center of it all stands Avdija, who may not have beaten the Serbian superstar single-handedly, but proved indisputably to be the face of Portland's signature win of the season.