Deni Avdija's 25-Point Performance Punches Portland's Ticket to the Play-In Tournament
The Portland Trail Blazers are officially heading to the postseason for the first time since 2020-21, and they did it in style. Deni Avdija dropped 25 points with 10 assists and six rebounds to lead Portland past Sacramento 122-110 in the regular-season finale Sunday night at Moda Center. The win locked down the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, and now the Blazers are headed to Phoenix on Tuesday to face the No. 7 Suns in the play-in round.
A Complete Team Performance Gets Portland Over the Hump
This wasn't a one-man show. Jrue Holiday added 23 points and seven rebounds, while Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson chipped in 15 points apiece. Donovan Clingan rounded out the scoring with 13 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Portland shot 46.5% from the field and went 4-0 against Sacramento this season, dominating in the process.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThe real dagger came in the second quarter when Portland absolutely took over, outscoring the Kings 44-24 to build a 77-57 halftime lead. Avdija was unstoppable in the first half with 17 points, setting the tone early and refusing to let Sacramento hang around.
Sacramento's Rough Road Continues
The Kings' season has been brutal. Sacramento finished 22-60, the second-most losses in franchise history (they went 17-65 back in 2008-09). Precious Achiuwa led the Kings with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Nique Clifford added 24 points and seven rebounds. Maxime Raynaud chipped in 21 points and nine rebounds. But it wasn't enough. Sacramento was missing DeMar DeRozan for the third straight game due to a hamstring injury, and it showed down the stretch.
What's Next for the Blazers
Portland heads to Phoenix on Tuesday night for the play-in round. Win that game, and they're in the playoffs. Lose, and they get one more shot on Friday. The Blazers are riding high right now. Holiday's clutch shooting, especially a 20-footer that made it 118-104 with 2:51 left, sealed it. This team belongs in the postseason.
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