Blazers Soar Over Nuggets With Avdija's Stellar Play

The Portland Trail Blazers scored a decisive victory against the Denver Nuggets, winning 128-109 in front of a home crowd at the Moda Center on March 22, 2025. This victory marked the Blazers' fourth consecutive win, showcasing their resurgence in the ongoing NBA season.

Without their star player Nikola Jokic, who has missed the last three games due to ankle and elbow injuries, the Nuggets struggled to maintain their lead in the first half. Despite an impressive opening quarter, in which Denver led, the team fell short in the second half, succumbing to the Blazers' relentless drive and strategic play.

Deni Avdija was the star of the night for Portland, delivering a standout performance with 36 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. His remarkable effort was complemented by Shaedon Sharpe, who added 23 points, despite a tough shooting night beyond the arc. Avdija, who has averaged 23.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over his last nine games, has clearly hit his stride as the season progresses.

Head coach Chauncey Billups praised Avdija's development, stating, "I think Deni is learning a lot about Deni at the moment. I think the way that we’re playing, with the pace that we’re playing at, it suits him.” Avdija shared his excitement, saying, "I’m learning a lot about myself as a player. I’m still making mistakes because I’m not used to being in this position a lot, but I’m super excited for how much better I can become and how much I want to work on different things and evolve my game.”

The game narrative took a crucial turn during the third quarter when the Blazers, trailing at halftime, executed a 14-0 run fueled by Avdija's scoring. They dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Nuggets 34-23, and closing the period with a six-point lead.

Portland's advantage primarily stemmed from a significant edge in second-chance points, where they outscored Denver 26-10. This disparity proved vital as the Blazers capitalized on their offensive rebounds to deliver crucial baskets. The Nuggets' defensive woes, particularly in the paint, were evident, as they usually excel in this area but allowed Portland to win 64-42 in the paint.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone expressed frustration after the loss, reflecting on his team’s poor performance. "That was embarrassing. That was just a joke. We had 18 blow-bys. I don’t know what our guys are thinking with 11 games to go. If we continue to play the way we are playing, we will be in the play-in tournament," Malone lamented. His disappointment was palpable as the Nuggets now find themselves struggling to hold onto their playoff position.

Jamal Murray, who scored only ten points in the game, acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, "We can't have these lapses, and when we do, we have to make sure we're bouncing back and staying mindful of them. This wasn't us tonight, we'll be better next time." His assessment reflects the sense of urgency within the team as they prepare for an upcoming matchup against the Houston Rockets, a challenging opponent currently sitting in second place in the Western Conference.

As for the Blazers, the victory is a promising sign as they look to solidify their standing and make a play for the postseason. Their recent form, bolstered by consistent performances from Avdija and others, has re-energized the team and its fan base.

Next, the Trail Blazers will host the Boston Celtics while the Nuggets will travel to Houston, each team seeking to regain momentum as the postseason looms closer.

As the games continue in this tightly contested Western Conference playoff race, every victory and defeat will play a crucial role in shaping the postseason scenarios.