UPDATE: Deni Avdija made a powerful return from injury, scoring 26 points and lifting the Portland Trail Blazers to a 117-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on January 14, 2024. This urgent win marks Portland’s third consecutive victory against the Kings this season.
Avdija, who had been sidelined for three games due to a strained lower back, showcased his resilience with eight assists and eight rebounds in just 31 minutes of play. His performance was critical in helping the Blazers improve to 22-22—their first time at .500 since November 11.
The game was tightly contested, but Portland maintained control after building a 14-point lead. Despite a late surge from the Kings, who closed the gap to 95-86 early in the fourth quarter, Avdija and teammates held strong. In addition to Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe also scored 26 points, while Donovan Clingan contributed 21 points and 17 rebounds.
On the Kings’ side, Malik Monk led with 23 points, and Russell Westbrook added 20 points along with seven assists. However, Domantas Sabonis struggled with just eight points and recorded six turnovers in his second game back after missing 27 games due to a knee injury.
This victory is particularly significant for the Blazers, who have now won 12 of their last 15 games. Portland is set to host the Miami Heat on Thursday night, while the Kings will face the same opponent on Tuesday.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Avdija’s return will impact the Trail Blazers’ performance moving forward. As they push for a playoff spot, every game counts in this tightly contested season. Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season progresses.
