Deni Avdija posted a season-high 30 points, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 125-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Portland improved to 18-29 with the win, while Milwaukee fell to 26-19.
Anfernee Simons contributed 25 points, helping the Blazers secure their fifth win in six games. Portland built a 19-point fourth-quarter lead, capitalizing on Milwaukee’s fatigue.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 39 points and 12 rebounds for the Bucks, who were playing their third game in four nights. Damian Lillard, making his second return to Portland since his trade, scored 20 points.
Milwaukee started strong, taking a 47-35 lead after Gary Trent Jr.’s jumper. However, Portland surged ahead 64-61 by halftime. Shaedon Sharpe’s three-pointer in the third quarter extended the Blazers’ advantage to 82-73.
Avdija dominated in the third quarter, scoring 14 of his 30 points. He also grabbed nine rebounds and shot 10-of-18 from the field, including three three-pointers.
Simons added seven assists to his 25-point performance, while Deandre Ayton had 21 points and 14 rebounds. Sharpe provided 17 points off the bench.
The Bucks shot 50.6% from the field but struggled from three-point range, making only 11 of 35 attempts. Lillard went 7-of-17 from the floor and had six assists in the loss.
Taurean Prince was called for a flagrant foul on Avdija in the first quarter, setting the tone for a physical game. Jerami Grant left in the second half with a right ankle injury.
