Portland Nightmare: The joy of Avdija’s milestone and the pain of his final victory

The night of November 20th in Portland is always remembered by people in a unique manner, either gloriously glorious or regretfully lonely. The Moda Center witnessed the collision of these two extreme emotions, and the protagonist was none other than Denis Avdija.

On this seemingly ordinary night, Avdija used his strength to write his own legend. 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. When these data were finalized, he successfully entered the Hall of Glory in the history of the Trail Blazers, joining "Glider" Drexler and "Team Spirit" Damian Lillard as the only three players in team history who can score 30+ triple-doubles multiple times. This was supposed to be a milestone night surrounded by cheers and praise, a hopeful dawn for the Trail Blazers' post-Lillard era.

However, things were changing on the basketball court. Nikola Vucevic's cold-blooded three-pointer before the end was like a sharp dagger, ruthlessly piercing all the joy. 121 to 122, the scarlet number on the scoreboard was like a heavy hammer, reminding everyone that in the fiercely competitive NBA, individual performance does not always lead to a winning outcome.

Avdija: The shining bloom of the Almighty Cornerstone

Let us put aside the heartbreaking ending for the time being and focus on Avdija's wonderful performance. This season, he is regarded as a key puzzle piece in the Blazers' reconstruction blueprint, and this thrilling game is undoubtedly a battle to prove his worth.

Afdija’s 32 points were not achieved by blind shooting, but by a high shooting rate of 52.2%. His 11 assists revitalized the entire team like a thread, making the Blazers' offense smooth and sharp most of the time. What's even more valuable is that the comprehensiveness and composure he displayed on the court completely exceeded the level he should have at his age. This is the trait that this young team most urgently needs. On the court, he seemed to be the prototype of an organizational forward, controlling the rhythm and direction of the game.

Ranked tied for second in team history, second only to the two legendary superstars. This is not just a simple accumulation of data, but also a high recognition of Avdija's strength and a coronation of status. This achievement declares that he has the potential to become one of the core pillars of the Trail Blazers' future development, bringing unlimited possibilities to the team's revival.

The last 13 seconds: a cruel fall from heaven to hell

The charm and cruelty of basketball games are often vividly displayed in the last minutes or even seconds. When the game entered the final 13 seconds, the Trail Blazers held a 1-point lead and controlled the ball. The balance of victory seemed to be tilted in their favor, as if victory was just around the corner.

However, a fatal mistake broke the beautiful illusion in an instant, and the ball was handed over. Immediately afterwards, Vucevic received the pass at the top of the arc, faced the defense, and decisively shot. The ball drew a beautiful but cruel arc in the air, and the air in the entire stadium seemed to freeze at that moment. As the Nets rippled, all that was left for the Trail Blazers was 0.5 seconds of despair and an irreversible defeat.

This is a typical "defeat is glorious", but for the young Trail Blazers who are eager to win, the word "glory" has a somewhat bitter meaning. They performed wonderful individual performances and showed the prototype of team basketball, but fell short due to a moment of negligence at the most critical moment. This regret is undoubtedly more unforgettable.

Conclusion: Seeds of hope breed among the ruins

For the pioneers who are in the throes of reconstruction, such a loss is undoubtedly a required course on the road to growth. It tells young players in a cruel way: In the NBA, only excellence that persists until the last second is truly outstanding.

Avdija's milestone will not be forgotten because of this buzzer-beater. On the contrary, it will be solemnly recorded in the team's history and become an important step in his career. But equally, the painful experience of being reversed should be deeply imprinted in the memory of every player. The lessons it brings are far more profound than an ordinary victory.

Personal glory and team failure intertwined into a complex and emotional picture on this night. The Trail Blazers' road to rebuilding is full of hardships, but at least, on this heartbreaking night, they confirmed that they have a young cornerstone in the team who is worthy of being a legend in franchise history. Next, what they need to learn is how to transform their brilliant personal achievements into a solid foundation for team victory, forge ahead despite setbacks, and let the seeds of hope take root and thrive in the ruins.