From the Liveblog of
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Israeli basketballer Deni Avdija scores 34 points for Portland Trail Blazers at match against New Orleans Pelicans
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Israeli basketballer Deni Avdija scored 34 points and dished 11 assists as the Portland Trail Blazers send the host New Orleans Pelicans to a sixth consecutive loss with a 122-109 decision.
Avdija buoyed the Blazers for much of the first half, having scored almost half of Portland’s points deep into the second quarter.
Once his teammates came alive on offense, including Shaedon Sharpe (23 points), the Blazers created separation in the second half after rallying from a 10-point first-quarter deficit.
Portland opened the fourth quarter outscoring the Pelicans 17-7 to build a 20-point lead.
Five Blazers scored in double figures, with Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, and Caleb Love joining Avdija and Sharpe.
Love connected on a career-high-matching six 3-pointers en route to 22 points off the bench. Camara added 14 points while Clingan posted 11 points and 15 rebounds. Nine of those boards came on the offensive glass, helping Portland earn a 24-17 advantage on second-chance points.
Kris Murray scored six points, shooting just 1 of 7 from the floor, but his three steals contributed to Portland forcing 15 New Orleans turnovers. The Blazers cashed in the takeaways for 23 points.
In hitting twice as many 3-pointers (16 to eight) as the Pelicans, Portland negated the Pelicans’ 68-46 edge on points in the paint.
Zion Williamson provided the bulk of New Orleans’ interior scoring punch on his way to a season-high 35 points, his third consecutive outing with at least 31. He also grabbed eight rebounds.
With New Orleans missing usual starters Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, Herbert Jones, and Saddiq Bey, the Pelicans’ lineup around Williamson featured several typical reserves getting opportunities to contribute. Jeremiah Fears responded with 18 points, Jordan Poole scored 16, and Bryce McGowens added 13.
Karlo Matkovic came off the bench to score a season-high 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the floor, doing the majority of his damage in the first half (12 points).
The Times of Israel Community.