Avdija Makes History as Portland Secures Final Playoff Spot
The appearance is expected to mark a milestone for Israeli basketball, as Avdija is set to become the first Israeli player to take part in an NBA playoff game, pending his participation in the upcoming series.
Israeli forward Deni Avdija delivered a standout performance to lead the Portland Trail Blazers into the NBA playoffs, securing a 122–110 win over the Sacramento Kings in the regular-season finale.
Portland entered the game needing a victory to clinch the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and held off a short-handed Sacramento side to finish the season 40–42. The result sets up a first-round matchup against second-seeded San Antonio.
Avdija was central to the win, recording 25 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds in 33 minutes. He shot 9-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-9 from three-point range, helping Portland establish an early lead and maintain control throughout the game.
The appearance is expected to mark a milestone for Israeli basketball, as Avdija is set to become the first Israeli player to take part in an NBA playoff game, pending his participation in the upcoming series.
Portland secured the playoff berth via a tiebreaker over the Los Angeles Clippers, finishing with a superior record against Western Conference opponents.
In a separate game, Israeli rookie Ben Saraf capped his debut NBA season with a strong individual performance despite his team’s loss. Saraf scored 15 points in the Brooklyn Nets’ 136–101 defeat to the Toronto Raptors, adding three rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 26 minutes.
The outing marked Saraf’s fifth consecutive game with at least 15 points, as he closed the season with increased playing time in the Nets’ starting lineup.
Brooklyn finished the season with a 20–62 record, while Toronto secured the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Elsewhere, Phoenix concluded a disappointing campaign marked by injuries and inconsistency, despite strong individual output from its leading players.