Deni Avdija Sparkles, Path Blazers Implode vs. Warriors

The Portland Path Blazers welcomed Deni Avdija to their beginning lineup within the opening night time of the 2024-25 NBA season. The incoming ahead made good, almost singlehandedly revolutionizing Portland’s strategy on each ends of the court docket. The ultimate results of the sport appeared all too acquainted, nevertheless. The Golden State Warriors feasted on threes and rebounds, summarily disposing of the Blazers 139-104.

Deni’s Grand Slam Breakfast

Deni Avdija gave Portland a have a look at the talents that made the franchise covet him this summer time. His protection was essentially the most notable characteristic of all the recreation. He was so good at staying in entrance of his man that his 4 teammates may consider staying dwelling as a substitute of trying over their shoulders, needing to assist. With much less floor to cowl, each Portland defender appeared 50% higher instantly.

Avdija additionally confirmed spectacular off-ball protection, sliding over for steals and blocks. He’s not solely fast, his timing is pristine. That mixture makes defending look easy for him, although it’s absolutely something however.

Lastly, Avdija additionally helped the Blazers push the tempo on offense. He took the ball and the center of the ground on run-out makes an attempt. Within the halfcourt, he penetrated almost immediately, discovering perimeter shooters with environment friendly passing.

Avdija was barely much less apt getting his personal shot, however that isn’t what he was employed for. He gave the Blazers the pancakes, sausage, bacon, and eggs. They didn’t want the French Toast as nicely. That might simply be grasping.

Avdija completed with 15 factors on 4-10 taking pictures with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 turnovers.

Tempo Salsa

Portland’s dedication to working and fast pictures was on show from the opening tip and remained regular via a lot of the sport. They ran off of each opponent miss. They didn’t waste time within the halfcourt both, cramming the ball down the middle of the ground, taking layups if single-covered, doling out for threes when assist got here. Let’s not lie. It wasn’t all the time profitable and it wasn’t all the time fairly. However the ardour was there and the sport plan was evident.

Outcomes, nevertheless, weren’t. Portland had 5 quick break factors and 48 within the lane tonight. That’s not spectacular.

Sadly, Golden State took Portland’s momentum and ran with it even more durable. They scored 31 quick break factors themselves. That is one thing the Blazers might want to be careful for in the event that they proceed to play quick.

Protection

As with tempo of play, Portland’s defensive intentions have been clear even when their execution lagged a bit. There’s a particular new wrinkle of their scheme this yr. They’re relying on particular person gamers to remain in entrance of their opponent, switching when essential to preserve containment. Assist, if it got here, got here late within the motion, on the shot, and served to prime the pump for rebounding.

The outcome was a a lot higher model of inside protection than we’re used to seeing from Portland. Their top and velocity served them nicely within the lane. The price was a slight lack of integrity on the perimeter. On some performs, the Blazers appeared golden, with three-pointers contested. This was usually true of the primary unit. Different occasions, Golden State acquired huge open appears with solely modest passing. The Warriors obliged by lacking open appears, however it was a harmful recreation for Portland to play. Finally, they paid for it.

Threes

The three-pointer performed a pivotal function in tonight’s recreation, notably within the second interval when Golden State constructed their lead. Merely put, the Warriors hit their lengthy pictures, going 20-48, 41.7%. In the meantime the Blazers didn’t. They shot 8-34, 23.5% from distance. Portland’s appears have been good. They seldom took a foul triple. They only wouldn’t fall.

The dearth of deep conversions may find yourself hurting the staff this season as a lot as something. They actually must be getting up these pictures in apply.

Scoot

Scoot Henderson could also be many issues this season, but when the primary recreation is any indication, quiet is just not certainly one of them. He was aggressive going to the opening, unleashing a number of layup makes an attempt after bumping his physique in opposition to defenders like a pinball. He wasn’t in a position to convert a excessive proportion of these appears, however he refused to be contained. It was a particular enchancment from final yr.

Scoot completed with 22 factors on 7-18 taking pictures with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and solely 2 turnovers. He shot 0-5 from the three-point arc however drew 9 free throws, hitting 8.

Anfernee Simons Catch and Clank

With Deni Avdija spearheading the offense for the primary unit and Scoot Henderson attempting to do the identical off of the bench, Anfernee Simons spent a lot of the night time taking part in off ball, attempting to transform catch-and-shoot threes. He didn’t have a very good night time, going 2-7 from distance, scoring 15 total. Let’s see whether or not his proportion rises naturally because the season progresses. The Blazers additionally want to look at whether or not that is the most effective function for his or her lead scorer.

Rebounding

No matter hopes the Blazers could have had of mounting a comeback wilted with their lack of ability to rebound the ball within the second half. Head Coach Chauncey Billups went with bench gamers because the third interval unwound. The farther Portland acquired into the pines, the farther they acquired into the weeds on the boards. Golden State posted a 57-42 rebounding benefit for the night time together with 15 offensive boards. That killed Portland’s means to expire and rating on the whole.