Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija scored 41 points on Tuesday as Portland held on to win a back-and-forth contest over the Suns by a score of 114-110. The victory clinched the Blazers’ first playoff berth since 2021, locking them into the No. 7 seed and lining up a first-round matchup against the No. 2 Spurs.
“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my career so far,” Avdija said after the game, per David Brandt of The Associated Press.
Veteran point guard Jrue Holiday contributed 21 points for the Blazers, while forward Jerami Grant scored 16 points in 19 minutes off the bench in his first game back from a calf strain that sidelined him for the last seven games of the season. But it was Avdija who stole the show in Phoenix, shooting 15-of-22 from the field and handing out 12 assists to go along with his 41 points.
“I feel like he’s unique. Nobody does what he does,” Holiday said. “Deni coming out here, carrying us, especially down the stretch, getting that winning bucket and being able to go home knowing we’re playing San Antonio is something you love to see in Deni because this is what we expect from him now.”
The Suns will get a second chance on Friday to secure a playoff spot of their own by winning a play-in game in their home arena. They’ll host either the Clippers or Warriors, depending on the results of Wednesday’s contest, with Friday’s winner claiming the No. 8 seed and a first-round date with the defending champion Thunder.
The Bulls were the other big winner on Tuesday. As a result of Portland making the playoffs, the Trail Blazers’ top-14 protected first-round pick will now be sent to Chicago. That pick originally changed hands during the 2021 offseason and was supposed to be a 2022 selection, but had landed in its protected range for four straight years until now.
If the Suns win on Friday, that first-rounder will be 15th overall; if the Clippers or Warriors make it through to the No. 8 seed, it’ll drop to 16th. Either way, it’ll be a valuable asset for the rebuilding Bulls, whose own first-round pick will be ninth in the lottery standings.
Following the conclusion of the Blazers/Suns game, the NBA revealed the full schedule for all eight first-round series. Those schedules can be found right here. As usual, the first round is relatively drawn out — if any Game Sevens are necessary, they’ll take place on either May 2 or 3.
The conference semifinals are tentatively scheduled to begin on May 4, but could move up a day or two if certain series wrap up quickly.
Let’s go Suns!!! Gimme some Jayden Q at 15!
I just found out he’s had 2 knee injuries already. It would suck to finally get that pick and waste in on a guy who is already injury prone. Why we need somebody to run the team soon who can do the research needed to make that pick count. Not just count, Mean something.
Not to mention there is a new name in the mix in Steinbach who could be an interesting pick. I admit I don’t know much about him or the kid from Mexico who could also be in play here. But if they can take some of the picks they got this year and move up from 36 or whatever that pick ends up being to early second or late 1st round this could be a draft to remember with the right people pulling the strings. We need somebody with some imagination here and we need one soon. I don’t know if one or both of the Ivisic brothers are coming out or not but with the Denver pick if they can get one they are big dudes who can shoot at least and hard workers which is half the battle. Now if May 10th cooperates……….. Come on ping pong balls.
Steinbach avgd a double double as a freshman and looks like he has a lot of upside.
As long as the new brain trust doesn’t pick a guard you should be fine.
Mike, from everything I’ve read on sites, Steinbach is a horrible post defender and really a turnstile on defense. Basically another Vu in training. Yes, the size and length is nice but if you cannot protect the one thing that is important as a big man, then you are not a good defender. Nobody is saying he needs to be prime Whiteside or Gobert, but his defensive awareness/IQ is a bit behind his offensive skillset and talent.
Few names I’d like to throw out there would be Motiejus Krivas who is 7’2 and and is an old school center by protecting the rim and also rebounds and plays his actual size in round 2. Another name is Alex Condon, legit size at 7’0 and also has played in some very meaningful games at Florida last year and this year in route to winning the national title last year. Very smart player. Both can be in the round 2 range at pick 38 which is what we’re projected to get.
Honestly, I’d take the following:
9) Ament
15) Quaintance
38) Either Krivas or Condon
Also, Dash Daniels is projected RD2 now but we need a good defensive guard next to Giddey and I believe Daniels can be that guy. His brother is already a first team all NBA defense player in my eyes, so you know the competitive fire is there with Dash as well.
Would be a nice replacement at 38 in case Krivas or Condon go earlier.
Great draft to actually address the needs which are shooting, size, physicality, toughness, intelligence and youth.
Now if we can get the front office and coach right, we might actually be onto something with Giddey/Buzelis/Essengue and Miller looking like they will be the next core.
You are wrong about him. He’s a 4 in the NBA. He’s fundamentally sound so will be fine defensively. He is tough and knows how to rebound. Boxing and positioning gies a long way to playing D right. Like all rookies he will struggle some. I don’t see his D as an issue. He might not be there for Bulls.
If Lendebord is gone. Warriors could take Steinbach. Then he won’t get past the Hornets.
Yeah, but he’s still young. I know having two knee injuries is scary, but that usually means your ligaments and muscles aren’t fully developed. I remember when Steph came out, everyone was worried about his ankles first few years and if they could handle NBA schedule and physicality, and nobody has brought that up since like 2014 lol. Not saying this kid will be Curry, but defensively he would be a massive get. They were really interested in Collin Murray Boyles last year before Raptors took him and he was considered the best defensive forward in the draft.
I think with Quaintance being that defensive enforcer that we sorely need, at 15 would be a huge get. I know Mara is getting all the hype lately.
Basketball is a sport where you can dramatically change your fortunes in one year. The Bulls have been undersized for so long it’s a running joke in the League. Especially where the Bulls draft picks could lie they can do a lot of damage here. Since there aren’t really any sparkling FA’s out there if they could somehow get their hands on Kessler or somebody like him, Wagler( Dream I know) draft Cenac and there is a french C predicted early 2nd round they could go from a joke to intimidating in one year. Think of a starting 5 with Kessler(7’2″), Buzelis( 6’10” ) , Cenac( 6’11”) Giddey( 6’8″) And maybe Simons.
Maybe they could become intimidating in one year with Walger coming off the bench. It would take awhile to mesh but could be fun. Or maybe even Ament if May 10 is a disappointment. At least they wouldn’t get pushed around like they do now with the right coach. Need a plan!
Buzelis is 6’8, I was actually having this conversation on the train headed into work lol this morning with a buddy. He thought he was 6’10 too, but he’s listed at 6’8. Not sure where 6’10 is coming from?
If Buzelis is 6’8″ then Giddey is 6’6″ because Buzelis is bigger. LOL
Longer wingspan that’s for sure lol.
Basketball reference has him as 6’8 lol.
Giddey: 6’8″ / 214 / 6’8″ WS
Buzelis: 6’9″ / 196 / 6’10” WS
Source: link to nba.com
This draft is too important to risk on damaged players lol. Plus you aren’t looking at his weight. That isn’t helping the healing process. I doubt he goes lottery. He could drop out of 20 imo. I wouldn’t want him on Knicks and we pick 25 lol.
I don’t know why you can’t see Richard is legit. Center is not a priority. There are plenty of centers in 2nd rd. I think Burries is the pick. Brown will be gone. If Burries is gone. Then it will take some huddling by your scouts. On best available. There are stll a few SG left. But too high imo at #9. You might see them at #16 why I say huddling by scouts. I would strongly consider Lendeborg at #9. Next top SG are Carr, Evans, Thomas.
Imo signing Grimes and Richard is a solid pickups.
We agree that this draft is too important for the Bulls to risk either of their first round picks on somebody who is already injured. I don’t want to see either of them sitting on the bench, In street clothes injured, Or in the freakin G League. And we disagree about C’s. I think C and or a guy who can be both are the Bulls biggest need and have been for a long time. The fact that the Bulls knew what Vujevic was all those years and never gave him a decent PF to play with who could rebound and defend the rim was practically criminal. Richards and Yabusele are fringe at best. In fact if you could guarantee me Zach Collins could play 65 games next year I’d rather have him. You need 4 or IMO 5 people who can play C or PF on the team because of the attrition and the match ups that are presented. The Bulls have NONE. However this is a perfect draft to have 4 nice picks and a lot of 2nd round picks in you pocket to move up if you can and has a lot of talented bigs to choose from. I don’t know what they think Essengue will be but all I know is I only ever gt to see him in street clothes so how would I know. I saw what Derrick Queen was and is this year and the facts are that if he was here, Taking a guy like Acuff or Burries would be a lot more tolerable but Queens not here and Burries isn’t really needed right now. Bulls have guards and access to guards.
You need to look forward. This team today has nothing to do with the past. You are team building from the get. And all you have is a PG. You might have a SF. Buzelis looks good. Bu I am not ready to commit yet. Essengue is a talent. But you can’t commit there either. Richard is a decent starter. He can hold it down especially if you bring in a 4. You have pieces that can work till your main guys really show. Only guy legit right now is Giddey. This ain’t getting in one year lol. It’s why i say Bulls should look at Grimes. He’s better than Coby and I like Coby. You don’t need a center. There are plenty in 2nd rd. These two picks have to be best available. And hopefully that’s a SG and a PF. Burries/Brown and Steinbach imo is a great draft.
Well I’m 70 and I’m tired of looking forward and I’m tired of reminiscing about the past. I’m looking at the here and now and when I see major steps that can be taken because now my team finally has both draft capital and money I’m interested. Look if the Bulls decide they would rather have Grimes than Sexton or Simons and want to spend it on him I’m fine. But that even makes Burries LESS of a factor not more. Bulls can either sign one of their own SG’s or sign one either way it just costs money. And the Bulls don’t need a C. THEY NEED 3! They have nobody. Basketball doesn’t take a lengthy rebuild like football, baseball or Hockey. It can be accomplished fairly quickly with the right person in charge. That’s the most important thing right now, Finding THAT guy.
Simons and Sexton are gone. Only guys signed are Giddey, Miller, Okoro, Essngue, Buzelis, Williams, Smith, Jones, Dillingham.
Grimes is a legit starting SG. Burries is 19 yrs old. Look at Buzelis man. Ain’t no 19 yr old saving this team. Bulls arent on your time line lol. They are starting from scratch. Grimes just makes it easier. Signing Richard makes it easier. Even resigning Collins isn’t a bad idea. I don’t know who Bulls scouting team is. Will they hire a FO before draft. All this will tell you who they want in draft. It ain’t up to us lol. SG and PF imo are major steps this year. A center in 2nd rd and it will be a great start. You go from there. Players become available during season.
Grimes (25 yrs), Giddey (23), Buzelis (22), Essengue (20), Steinbach (19), Burries (19). Is acsolid group of young talent. You add a center in 2nd rd, even a good backup. Then you have a strong young foundation. You add a strong young FA next year 2027. Now you got something. Patience Mike.
Look I’ve got no attachment to Simons or Sexton. They have Giddey and they’re stuck with Dillingham until he either shows something or fades away. This draft is loaded with bigs and it’s loaded with bigs who are projected to be taken EXACTLY where the Bulls picks are slotted. Next draft might be G heavy who knows. I think you have it backwards. The Bulls should take what’s available when it’s available and worry about next year next year. We can argue all day about what should happen but in the end take what’s available when you can. They can always sign a Grimes or another guard who can shoot in FA.The only guard I’ve seen in this draft who can shoot the lights out is Wagler and if I can’t have him I’m going big. Wagler has 3 position possibility, 1,2 and 3. The rest are all iffy to me. Bulls scouting report on picks the last 5 years. Terry is a shooting guard who’s shot is lacking, Ayo, Phillips just insert name here. I’m tired of reading them. I want shooters and if they’re bigger all the better. I’d even trade future assets to move up this year to get better. But first I need to see who the coach and POBO are before I get excited. They can get more assets at the deadline with Okoro, Jones and Smith. Not firsts maybe but either future players like another Miller or seconds at least that can turn out valuable. But who’s running it?
Football is the quickest to rebuild. You have 10-12 picks every year . Basketball your lucky to find a player every yr. Stars don’t come every year. Not even starters. Especially if you suck at drafting.
Giddey is your only true player now. Your bad management and owner doesn’t help either. Why I say. You can’t blow this draft. Most important thing is this draft
Not sure why you aren’t accepting that Buzelis is the legit face of this franchise. He’s the only guy besides Wemby who has 100 3PT and 100 blocks this year. His handles and his shot have gotten better. He had 40 pc against Warriors on the road. He’s gotten better every month all this season. For you to say that Buzelis isn’t being mentioned along with Giddey as “only true player” now is ridiculous. That is YOUR opinion of him. The rest of the fanbase and this city is has really embraced Buzelis as the cornerstone of the next Bulls core.
Buzelis PER 36 this year
20.0/7.2/2.5/0.9/1.9 BPG on 46/34/78 shooting.
Giddey’s PER 36 this year
19.1/9.3/10.3/1.1/0.6 BPG on 44/36/76 shooting.
Buzelis was the better player this year but not by much. I expect him to be even more of a force next year. He’s already stated his main goals this offseason are to work on his handles, conditioning, and defense. The future is bright with him.
I don’t accept kids who have potential and upside.
Not saying he is a miss. Only he hasn’t proven anything yet. Lol you give up on 22 yr olds all the time. I’m saying do it for two yrs and show us.
Look at Cooper, Kon. vJ, even Raynaud rookies who are doing it every day. That’s starting to show. Buzelis is not there yet. Bulls have to know better than me, right. Even he has said he needs girth and muscle.
Wemby that’s what you use. Yeah ok. Keep dreaming. Consistency is what all good players strive for. Buzelis ain’t there yet. After that we can talk star potential. All Giddey has shown is consistency now. I see star potential, always have. He isn’t there yet. But he has shown he is a starter in NBA. And practically put up a triple double. I don’t think you understand what that means for a 23 yr old. A guy you wanted to trade last yr.
Buzelis is still young even raw. Why the need to rush this. Deni is a star at 25 after Wash gave up on him. Young players can still go the wrong way like Kuminga did. So sit back and enjoy his growth.
Where did I say trade Giddey? In fact I was a huge advocate on Giddey for Caruso signing. I loved it from the get go.
Did you even see his stats this year? Did you actually watch him play this year? I’m seriously wondering if you did bc otherwise you wouldn’t be negative on him and praise Raynund like he’s the next coming of Wilt.
And I’m not saying I’m using Wemby good grief, I am saying he’s the only other guy besides Wemby who did that. That’s what stands out to me.
Watch the tape and then tell me why you don’t like him lmao
I was the one who suggested the Bulls might trade Giddey. I still say the best player for the Bulls in this draft is Walger. Walger can run the point, Be a SG or in some cases probably in the future play some 3 if he can add a little muscle. In a perfect world he plays along side Giddey. In an imperfect world they don’t mesh and then you have a tradable asset in Giddey at 3 and 75 left on his deal. I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t be awesome together. Walgers range, passing ability and length make him a future decent defensive player too. I asked a question in the chat about what Luke thought the Bulls could get for Giddey just to ask. By the way Al how come you’re not a member here and join the chats? It’s 3 dollars a month or around 36 bucks a year, C’mon pony up. I’d welcome your questions. Would spark some dialogue. A person with your vast knowledge and all. LOL
I’m probably going to join. There’s a bunch of people here that I really enjoy talking the game with, and just pure banter. You being one of them lol.
Hes a nice player . Unfortunately he will be gone. O don’t know who Bulls will take. Will they take best player available or go for position. I believe in Giddey. Bulls need a SG or PF. I like Richard too. Even Collins is good at a good price 3 yrs. Till kids grow up. Players could drop. Brown is there. I don’t pass on Brown. I like Grimes at SG. I doubt Bulls would sign him. Bulls have two solid picks. All about getting it right.
Yeah eventually I will. But my schedule is all over the place right now. Taking care of my folks too. I appreciate that Mike. Eventually I will.
Well family comes first I get it. Not really sure why they call them ” Chats” anyway because that’s not what they are at all because there’s no back and forth. But I’m not joining X or any of the others to have a conversation with anybody. Rather keep my sanity but at least I get to ask a question or 2.
I been a basketball guy all my life. So thats why I come here to talk smack. See how the rest of world sees NBA. Learn something. Not all over social media too negative for me. Sports is simple so we can all have opinions. 🙏
You’ve wanted to trade. Giddey and Coby. You said Ayo was the one. I can go get it if you like..
negative???? I’m the positive one remember. All I am saying is you can’t talk about him as a core yet. It’s looking good. But he isn’t there. He has good games and then disappears for a few games. I seen enough of him. I don’t believe in 19 -20 yr olds playing their first yr. I do what Spurs are doing with Harper. Cooper is one a kind like Bron was. They can handle playing and learning. They were born to do this. High IQ players. Most need yrs. Nobody is negative. I’m not even negative about Essengue. Development is an art. You don’t throw players out there most are not ready. Kuminga had better stats his second yr. Then Warriors ruined it. What happens if Billy leaves. Relax man. Just give him time to avg 30 mins a gm. He will be 22yrs old. Still very young. Plus this team still doesn’t have a core. You don’t know if Billy is staying. And they can sign vets this yr. So we have to see what they do. Buzelis has potential to be starter. Let him do that. Before you crown him mvp.
I would be fine with re signing Ayo and moving on from Grimes, Sexton and Simons. He would probably cost less than any of those 3 and is a premier defender, Can run the point and he has a good shot now. I’d be happy with him also. Grimes is nothing special.
I tge good thing is Bulls have options.
Yeah you don’t want him lol. He is still healing.
Agreed. Not to sound cruel but the bulls don’t need anymore injury prone players or bust players like p Williams. Instead the bulls should focus on drafting the best players available in the first round. Whether that’s a big and/or shooting guard..is up to the basketball Gods. Please don’t f this draft up bulls management.🙏😭
Complete gag job by Ott and Booker
Booker shot 87.3% from the FT line this season. Last night, 8-13, 61.5%
Suns team missed 9 fts.
BALL GAME!
And the Blazers missed 6. So had both teams gone 100% from the line, we’d still be watching the Sun play on Friday.
And Avdija went over, around and through the cigar store Indian defense. Move your feet, Suns? Nawww!
Actually, being traded away from the Wizards was the best thing that’s ever happened to him in his career so far….
Wizards are never going to truly compete. They seem unserious especially since they traded Deni for a bust in Bub Carrington along with some other bad picks
But they added Trae and AD…. lol
link to yardbarker.com
Bulls are the less-heralded winners of first play-in night …. chk it out
That #16 pick is looking like a savior for Billy. Christmas came early in Chicago lols. 🙏
Denny A is a SuperHero — 25 yrs old and showing us big game is worth waiting on. He carried Blazers lols. With Sharpe out and Grant hurt. He stepped up big time. Oh and No Scoot. Just a Big Time performance.
NBA has a new star and he plays for Blazers 👏👏
So you didn’t watch.
Ummm, Sharpe produced 12 pts on 7 shots including the highlight dunk on the assist from Deni and a team best +19 last night in 21 minutes, and Scoot put up 9 pts on 6 shots 3 reb 2 stl 2 blks with a +8 in 17 minutes.
He just came back though. No I don’t have prime. I didn’t see his name on stats. Missed it. Still not playing though. 20 mins. Still coming back.
Point was Deni carrying the team. Which he did.
get the free moth Prime subscription so you can watch – it’s easy to get and then cancel in 30 days and you won’t get charged. I did, well worth i the time at 0$
… I hope this pushes Deni over the top for Most Improved Player. This team was playing without a PG for half the season and he filled the void. Despite a car accident in Jan, he kept the team within reach of the play-offs. And now ending the season and into the play-in , he is carrying the team again. We’ll done.
Regular season award. Not saying he doesn’t deserve it, just that this game has no impact.