Portland Trail Blazers small forward Deni Avdija posted 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland on Sunday, making him the first Israeli NBA player to achieve a triple-double.
That’s when a player achieves a double-digit number in three of five statistical categories in a single game: points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots.
Avdija’s standout performance was not enough to secure victory against the Cavaliers, one of the best teams in the league, which beat the Blazers 133-129.
Avdija missed a three-pointer with six seconds left.
“We fought our hearts out, so I’m proud,” Avdija said in a post-game interview.
Asked about his performance, Avdija said, “It’s hard for me to think about the triple-double right now because I wanted to win. And I wanted that three to go in … I don’t think about it right now. But maybe tomorrow, it’ll make me smile a little bit.”
Avdija began his NBA career in 2020 when he was drafted by the Washington Wizards.
On July 6, 2024, Avdija was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Bub Carrington, Malcolm Brogdon and several draft selections.
Avdija’s father played for the Yugoslavian national basketball team. His mother is a former track-and-field athlete and basketball player.
Avdija was born in Kibbutz Beit Zera on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee.