The Portland Trail Blazers welcomed Deni Avdija to their starting lineup in the opening night of the 2024-25 NBA season. The incoming forward made good, nearly singlehandedly revolutionizing Portland’s approach on both ends of the court. The final result of the game looked all too familiar, however. The Golden State Warriors feasted on threes and rebounds, summarily disposing of the Blazers 139-104.
Deni’s Grand Slam Breakfast
Deni Avdija gave Portland a look at the skills that made the franchise covet him this summer. His defense was the most notable feature of the entire game. He was so good at staying in front of his man that his four teammates could concentrate on staying home instead of looking over their shoulders, needing to help. With less ground to cover, every Portland defender looked 50% better immediately.
Avdija also showed impressive off-ball defense, sliding over for steals and blocks. He’s not only quick, his timing is pristine. That combination makes defending look effortless for him, though it’s surely anything but.
Finally, Avdija also helped the Blazers push the pace on offense. He took the ball and the middle of the floor on run-out attempts. In the halfcourt, he penetrated nearly instantly, finding perimeter shooters with efficient passing.
Avdija was slightly less apt getting his own shot, but that isn’t what he was hired for. He gave the Blazers the pancakes, sausage, bacon, and eggs. They didn’t need the French Toast as well. That would just be greedy.
Avdija finished with 15 points on 4-10 shooting with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 turnovers.
Pace Salsa
Portland’s commitment to running and quick shots was on display from the opening tip and remained steady through much of the game. They ran off of every opponent miss. They didn’t waste time in the halfcourt either, cramming the ball down the center of the floor, taking layups if single-covered, dishing out for threes when help came. Let’s not lie. It wasn’t always successful and it wasn’t always pretty. But the passion was there and the game plan was evident.
Results, however, were not. Portland had 5 fast break points and 48 in the lane tonight. That’s not spectacular.
Unfortunately, Golden State took Portland’s momentum and ran with it even harder. They scored 31 fast break points themselves. This is something the Blazers will need to watch out for if they continue to play fast.
Defense
As with pace of play, Portland’s defensive intentions were clear even when their execution lagged a bit. There’s a definite new wrinkle in their scheme this year. They’re depending on individual players to stay in front of their opponent, switching when necessary to keep containment. Help, if it came, came late in the action, on the shot, and served to prime the pump for rebounding.
The result was a much better brand of interior defense than we’re used to seeing from Portland. Their height and speed served them well in the lane. The cost was a slight loss of integrity on the perimeter. On some plays, the Blazers looked golden, with three-pointers contested. This was generally true of the first unit. Other times, Golden State got wide open looks with only modest passing. The Warriors obliged by missing open looks, but it was a dangerous game for Portland to play. Eventually, they paid for it.
Threes
The three-pointer played a pivotal role in tonight’s game, particularly in the second period when Golden State built their lead. Simply put, the Warriors hit their long shots, going 20-48, 41.7%. Meanwhile the Blazers didn’t. They shot 8-34, 23.5% from distance. Portland’s looks were good. They seldom took a bad triple. They just wouldn’t fall.
The lack of deep conversions might end up hurting the team this season as much as anything. They certainly need to be getting up those shots in practice.
Scoot
Scoot Henderson may be many things this season, but if the first game is any indication, quiet is not one of them. He was aggressive going to the hole, unleashing multiple layup attempts after bumping his body against defenders like a pinball. He wasn’t able to convert a high percentage of those looks, but he refused to be contained. It was a definite improvement from last year.
Scoot finished with 22 points on 7-18 shooting with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and only 2 turnovers. He shot 0-5 from the three-point arc but drew 9 free throws, hitting 8.
Anfernee Simons Catch and Clank
With Deni Avdija spearheading the offense for the first unit and Scoot Henderson trying to do the same off of the bench, Anfernee Simons spent most of the night playing off ball, trying to convert catch-and-shoot threes. He did not have a good night, going 2-7 from distance, scoring 15 overall. Let’s see whether his percentage rises naturally as the season progresses. The Blazers also need to examine whether this is the best role for their lead scorer.
Rebounding
Whatever hopes the Blazers may have had of mounting a comeback wilted with their inability to rebound the ball in the second half. Head Coach Chauncey Billups went with bench players as the third period unwound. The farther Portland got into the pines, the farther they got into the weeds on the boards. Golden State posted a 57-42 rebounding advantage for the night including 15 offensive boards. That killed Portland’s ability to run out and score in general.
Up Next
The Blazers will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night with a 7:00, Pacific tip-off.