NBA: Deni Avdija leads Blazers to victory over Rockets

PORTLAND: Deni Avdija delivered a stellar performance, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 103-102 victory over the Houston Rockets here at Moda Center on Wednesday.

Avdija scored a career-high 41 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and playing a pivotal role in securing Portland's fourth consecutive win.

His performance came in a dramatic finish, as the Rockets’ Tari Eason’s potential game-winning tip-in was ruled to have come after the buzzer during a review, giving Portland the win.

Avdija’s efforts were complemented by Shaedon Sharpe’s 20 points, as the Trail Blazers withstood a strong performance from Kevin Durant, who matched his season-high of 37 points.

The Rockets also received contributions from Amen Thompson, who recorded a double-double with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.

Despite a dominating 57-38 rebounding advantage, including 24 offensive boards, Houston could not secure the victory.

Portland held a slim lead for most of the game, with Avdija scoring 18 of his points in the first half, which ended with Portland leading 57-47. With 48.9 seconds remaining, Avdija made a key inside basket to extend the lead to 103-99.

However, Durant made two free throws after being fouled, bringing Houston within one. A tense final sequence saw Eason intercept a pass but ultimately miss the game-winner, and Portland secured the victory.

The Trail Blazers' shooting from the field was slightly more efficient, finishing with 43.4% shooting, while the Rockets struggled from three-point range, hitting only 8 of 36 attempts. The two teams will meet again on Friday in Portland.