Still getting acclimated and maneuvering his way through a journey alongside his new team on the Pacific Northwest, Deni Avdija, in a search through his offensive toolbox, unleashed a move that neither Anthony Edwards nor the quickly-draining clock could offset. Calm and collected in his isolation request atop the 3-point key against one of the NBA’s most athletically-gifted swingmen, Avdija works first a low-bounce crossover followed by a space-clearing stepback. Still as reasonably-contested as one can be, the Portland Trail Blazers’ recently-acquired forward discovers excellence nonetheless, cashing in on a 28-footer to balloon the lead to 19 heading into the fourth. Avdija’s found money from deep throughout the night helped Portland — eight-and-a-half-point home underdogs upon entry against the Minnesota Timberwolves — move to 1-0 in the NBA Cup standings. Ultimately, Avdija’s do-it-all contributions finalized through 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and three trifectas on November 12, 2024. · Nov 13, 2024