Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija puts up 19 points in the first half of his first-ever playoff game.
His Portland Trail Blazers entered the second half 10 points down to their opponents, the San Antonio Spurs, with the score at 59-49 at halftime. But they began the third quarter with eight unanswered points, drawing within two of the Spurs.
Portland won the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs, led by the Israeli forward, who had a breakout season and played in his first All-Star Game. San Antonio, the No. 2 seed, is favored to win the best-of-seven series.
Avdija’s 19 points at the half are the second-highest for any player in the game, behind the 21 scored by the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama.
Avdija also has three assists and six rebounds.
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, April 20, 2026
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