Deni Avdija joins LeBron James in NBA playoff history

Blazers star sets franchise record in Game 1 loss to Spurs

Apr. 20, 2026 at 6:10am

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An abstract, energetic painting in the vibrant, expressionist style of LeRoy Neiman, capturing the raw athleticism and movement of a basketball player driving to the hoop. Explosive neon colors like electric blue, hot pink, and fiery orange swirl and splash across the canvas, blurring the player's features into an unrecognizable blur of kinetic energy.Deni Avdija's historic playoff debut performance puts him in elite company alongside LeBron James, showcasing the young Blazers star's explosive talent on the big stage.San Antonio Today

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija had a historic playoff debut on Sunday, becoming just the second player in NBA history to record 30+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a postseason opener, joining LeBron James. Avdija's stat line was also a first for the Blazers franchise, but it wasn't enough as the team fell to the San Antonio Spurs 98-111 in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Why it matters

Avdija's performance puts him in elite company alongside one of the NBA's all-time greats, LeBron James. It's a remarkable achievement for the young Blazers star and signals his arrival as a dominant playoff performer. However, the Blazers will need more from Avdija and the rest of the team to even the series against the Spurs.

The details

Avdija finished the game with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, becoming the first Blazers player to post that stat line in a playoff game. The 21-year-old forward shot an efficient 11-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-8 from three-point range.

  • The Game 1 loss occurred on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • Game 2 of the best-of-seven first-round series is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 8 pm ET.

The players

Deni Avdija

A 21-year-old forward for the Portland Trail Blazers who had a historic playoff debut, joining LeBron James as the only players to record 30+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a postseason opener.

LeBron James

One of the NBA's all-time greats, who previously accomplished the same statistical feat as Avdija in his playoff debut back in 2006.

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What they’re saying

“Deni's performance was truly historic, and we're proud of how he stepped up on the big stage. But we know there's more work to be done if we want to even this series.”

— Chauncey Billups, Head Coach, Portland Trail Blazers

What’s next

The Blazers will try to tie the series in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21 at 8 pm ET.

The takeaway

Deni Avdija's record-setting playoff debut puts him in elite company alongside LeBron James, solidifying his status as a rising star in the NBA. However, the Blazers will need more from their young phenom and the rest of the team to overcome the Spurs in this first-round series.