Deni Avdija Scored 23 in Blazers Preseason Loss
The newest Trail Blazers forward led the team in shot attempts against the Golden State Warriors.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Basketball
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Trail Blazers fans saw a strong offensive showing from Deni Avdija, who put up 23 points in the team's preseason matchup with the Golden State Warriors. Avdija dominated with a 30.2 usage rate to lead the team in shot attempts.
Why it matters
As the Blazers work to integrate new personnel, Avdija's ability to create his own shot serves as an early indicator of how he might fit into the rotation. Whether this high-usage performance can be sustained throughout the regular season remains to be seen.
Deni Avdija recorded 23 points in the game with a 30.2 usage rate, notably shooting 6-of-7 from two-point range. It remains unknown how his playmaking responsibilities will shift as his projected assist output decreases this season.
The players
Deni Avdija
He is a forward for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland Trail Blazers
They are the city's professional basketball team.
Golden State Warriors
They are the opposing professional basketball team.
The details
Avdija paced the Blazers' offensive efforts by successfully converting 6-of-7 two-point attempts and hitting 3 of 6 from behind the arc. His performance required a high 30.2 usage rate to generate those 23 points. While he was aggressive in this preseason look, team projections suggest his assist output will see a decrease compared to prior performances as he settles into this specific role.
Timeline
The preseason game against the Golden State Warriors took place on 2026-10-08.
Beyond the Bridges
Avdija's performance reflects the broader NBA trend of relying on high-usage forwards to anchor offensive rotations. This approach aligns with modern basketball metrics that prioritize individual shot creation to maintain team efficiency.
Fans heading to the Moda Center for upcoming preseason games can monitor if Avdija maintains this high shot volume against different defensive lineups. Watch the box score in subsequent games to see if his usage rate stabilizes.
The takeaway
Avdija demonstrated a high offensive ceiling, but his role remains a work in progress for the coaching staff. Keep an eye on his assist numbers in the next few games to see if his playmaking adjusts as expected.
Further reading
You can find more coverage of the roster and player development on our Basketball page.
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