Avdija Leads Trail Blazers Past Nuggets 118-110

Deni Avdija delivered a decisive performance in the final frame, scoring nine of his 28 points to help the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Denver Nuggets 118-110 on Monday night. The victory marks Portland's fourth consecutive win on the road, extending their season-opening travel streak.

The Blazers received substantial support from their interior and bench. Donovan Clingan recorded 17 points and 18 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday provided a near triple-double from the bench. Holiday contributed 17 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds. Damian Lillard added 20 points for Portland.

The game remained tight for the first three periods. Portland trailed for the first 32 minutes before Holiday’s late third-quarter layup gave them an 82-80 lead. Denver regained a two-point advantage entering the fourth quarter, but a 9-2 run by the Trail Blazers at the start of the final period shifted the momentum decisively.

Holiday extended Portland’s lead by sinking the team’s 14th three-pointer, pushing the score to 108-99. Denver attempted a late rally, and Jamal Murray cut the deficit to 110-107 with a three-pointer. Toumani Camara sealed the result with the final three-pointer of the game, giving Portland a 115-107 lead with 1:09 remaining.

The Nuggets were led by Murray, who scored 35 points. Nikola Jokic finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Jokic entered the fourth quarter close to his 201st career triple-double but recorded no additional assists or rebounds in the final period. Denver has lost two of its first three home games this season, with its only win coming in overtime against New Orleans.