The Portland Trail Blazers don’t open the 2025-26 NBA season for roughly two months, but they’re already producing winning performances.

Well, one of them is, anyway.

Deni Avdija sparkled on both ends of the floor to help Israel defeat Iceland 83-71 in the opening round of Group D play at the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament in Katowice, Poland.

The Blazers’ starting small forward and international star finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals, fueling a convincing Israel win with an impressive all-around game. Forward Roman Sorkin added 31 points and five rebounds for Israel, which continues EuroBasket play Saturday against co-host Poland.

Avdija struggled from three-point range — he missed all five of his long-range attempts — but excelled at most every

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