The Portland Trail Blazers faced elimination from the NBA Cup after their 115-102 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Deni Avdija, the Blazers’ standout forward, spoke candidly about the team’s exit and the challenges they encountered during the game.
The Blazers had an opportunity to clinch Group C in the Western Conference bracket with a win. However, they fell short, ending their chance to advance further in the Cup.
Portland’s season has been riddled with off-court distractions, most notably the investigation into head coach Chauncey Billups. These issues, combined with on-court struggles, weighed heavily on the team. The NBA Cup was viewed as a prime opportunity for Portland to find some much-needed success.
“We wanted it,” Avdija told the media postgame. “It was a good opportunity for us to advance in the Cup. We fought and tried to stay in the game. It was tough and close.” He acknowledged the intensity by comparing the experience to a playoff atmosphere, highlighting the inexperience of himself and his teammates.
Avdija’s performance was exceptional despite the loss. Playing 40 minutes, he scored 37 points, dished out eight assists, and grabbed six rebounds. His all-around game has established him as the Blazers’ best player this season and a bright spot amid difficulties.
The 24-year-old is averaging 25.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting nearly 48 percent from the field. His free throw accuracy stands at 80.3 percent, illustrating his scoring versatility. Avdija’s adaptability and maturity position him as a foundational piece for Portland’s future.
Reflecting on the defeat, Avdija said, “It was disappointing, but a good loss for us to learn from. We will face these types of games again.” He sees this experience as a valuable test that will prepare the team for challenges in coming seasons.
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