Having 11 points trailing in the final quarter, Blazers bet on Deni Avdija to salvage their season; Yankee Scores reports the record-breaking individual effort that has finally snapped the Blazers’ long postseason slump.
Deni Avdija proved that he had some clutch in him in his first postseason experience.
The rookie All-Star capped off an impressive regular season with an outstanding all-around performance.
Avdija’s Three-Point Play Silences Phoenix
This performance happened during the NBA play-in game on Tuesday night. Avdija tallied 41 points, helping the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Phoenix Suns 114-110. With this, they secured the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, DENI IS HIM. pic.twitter.com/omgnra0hR4
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 15, 2026
The Trail Blazers qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2021. They overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Suns. They will now play against the second seed San Antonio Spurs in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Suns will be the hosts of Friday’s game against the winner of the other play-in clash between the Clippers and Warriors. The victor will clinch the eighth seed and advance to the playoffs, where they will face the number one seed Oklahoma City Thunder; the loser’s season is over.
“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career so far,” Avdija said.
At 25 years old, Avdija earned his first career playoff appearance for the Trail Blazers, after playing for a few seasons with poor teams in Washington and Portland. He appeared composed under pressure, including delivering the final blow with a three-point play with 16.1 seconds left in the game. Avdija nailed a difficult drive to the rim and completed a three-point play with a foul shot.
Joining the Play-In 40-Point Club
Avdija joined four others who had 40 or more points in a play-in game. This includes Jayson Tatum with 50 for Boston in 2021, Coby White with 42 for Chicago in 2024, Anthony Davis with 40 for Dallas in 2025, and Zion Williamson with 40 for New Orleans in 2024.
Blazers’ guard Jrue Holiday won two titles in Milwaukee and Boston. He commended the maturity displayed by the young talent. Avdija was 15-for-22 from the field and recorded 12 assists and seven rebounds.
