PORTLAND, Ore. — Deni Avdija delivered an impressive performance by scoring a season-best 30 points as the Portland Trail Blazers overcame former teammate Damian Lillard with a 125-112 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday evening.
Anfernee Simons also made a significant contribution, adding 25 points to help Portland secure its fifth victory in the last six games. The Blazers showcased dominance with a 19-point lead going into the final quarter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was a standout player for the Bucks, finishing the game with 39 points along with 12 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Milwaukee, who had enjoyed a successful run winning nine of their last 11 games, faced fatigue playing their third game in four nights.
This match was significant as it marked Lillard’s second return to Portland after being traded to the Bucks before last season began. Lillard, who had a remarkable 11-season tenure with the Blazers, ended the game with 20 points.
When Gary Trent Jr. sank a jumper, the Bucks surged ahead 47-35. However, the Blazers made a comeback and went into halftime with a 64-61 lead. Shaedon Sharpe’s three-point shot helped secure Portland’s advantage at 82-73 during the third quarter.
In their recent outing, the Bucks had come off a strong victory against the Jazz, winning 125-105, where Lillard and Antetokounmpo together scored 35 points. A contentious moment in the game came when Taurean Prince was called for a flagrant foul on Avdija during the first quarter.
For the Trail Blazers, guard Scoot Henderson earned recognition by being selected for the Rising Stars event during the All-Star weekend. Avdija also excelled in the third quarter, scoring 14 points and grabbing nine rebounds overall. However, the game took a turn when Jerami Grant had to exit in the second half due to a right ankle injury.
A critical moment in the game was when Simons landed a three-pointer that shifted the lead to 57-56 for the Blazers with just 2:23 remaining in the first half, showing resilience as they recovered from a 12-point deficit. His efforts included 12 points in the second quarter alone.
As the season progresses, the Blazers have demonstrated a solid record, now 3-1 against the Bucks since the trade involving Lillard.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will head to San Antonio for their next game on Friday night, while the Trail Blazers are set to host the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
