By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Portland Trail Blazers stunned the Los Angeles Clippers with a win, 106-105, in Intuit Dome on Wednesday.
Israeli Deni Avdija made a game-saving block on Norman Powell with 29 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter for his side to keep a one-point lead and from there improve to 2-3 in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.
The 23-year-old forward posted a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double alongside two assists, two blocks, and one steal over 29 minutes in Los Angeles.
Fellow European starter for the team coached by Chauncey Billups, Belgian Toumani Camara threw in 12 points with 5/10 field goals. He also piled up three steals, one rebound, one block, and one assist in 40 minutes.
Coming off the bench, French Rayan Rupert fit in seven points and one rebound in a seven-minute showing. “I am very happy. They always have my back. They push me every time, even when I do not play more. I just try to stay ready. I just love these guys,” he thanked his teammates in the locker room.
Facing experienced French forward Nicolas Batum was a treat for the 20-year-old swingman. “He is like a big brother to me. It is always cool to play against him,” said Rupert.
Batum lasted 13 minutes, recording five points, four assists, two rebounds, and two steals.
The starting center for the team coached by Tyronn Lue, Croatian Ivica Zubac went for four points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and one steal over 31 minutes.