Deni Avdija Makes NBA History with First Triple-Double by an Israeli Player

Deni Avdija has made history, becoming the first Israeli player to record a triple-double in an NBA game. The Portland Trail Blazers forward delivered an outstanding performance on Sunday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, racking up 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.

A triple-double, achieved when a player records double digits in three of five major statistical categories points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks is a rare and prestigious feat in basketball. Avdija’s remarkable achievement further cements his status as one of Israel’s brightest sports stars.

Despite Avdija’s efforts, the Trail Blazers fell short, losing to the Cavaliers 133-129 in a tightly contested battle. He had a chance to tie the game in the final moments but missed a three-pointer with six seconds remaining.

Reflecting on the game, Avdija expressed pride in his team’s effort but admitted the loss was tough to swallow. “We fought our hearts out, so I’m proud,” he said in a post-game interview.

When asked about his historic performance, Avdija remained focused on the team’s outcome rather than personal accolades. “It’s hard for me to think about the triple-double right now because I wanted to win. And I wanted that three to go in… I don’t think about it right now. But maybe tomorrow, it’ll make me smile a little bit.”

Avdija’s NBA journey began in 2020 when he was drafted by the Washington Wizards. This past summer, he was traded to the Trail Blazers in a deal that sent Bub Carrington, Malcolm Brogdon, and several draft picks to Washington.

Born in Kibbutz Beit Zera, near the Sea of Galilee, Avdija comes from an athletic family. His father played for the Yugoslavian national basketball team, while his mother was a track-and-field athlete and basketball player.

As Avdija continues to make strides in the NBA, his success serves as a source of pride for Israeli basketball fans and a testament to the growing presence of Israeli talent on the global stage. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to celebrate Avdija’s achievement and Israel’s rising influence in the world of sports.