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‘Happy Hanukkah!’: Israeli Hoopster Avdija Drops 15 Points in First NBA Action
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by Barney Breen-Portnoy
The opening tip between the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards, at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, New York, Dec. 13, 2020. Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports.
Israeli hoopster Deni Avdija made a strong impression in his first NBA action on Sunday, scoring 15 points and pulling down four rebounds for the Washington Wizards in a preseason matchup with the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in New York City.
The 19-year-old small forward — who was drafted ninth overall by the Wizards last month — did not look to be intimidated to be on the same court with NBA All-Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, both of whom suited up for the Nets.
Just under three-and-a-half minutes into the opening quarter, the 6-foot-9 Avdija — who was in Washington’s starting five — took a pass from point guard Raul Neto and calmly drilled a three-pointer, his first of three treys on the night, prompting a “Happy Hanukkah!” exclamation from Wizards television announcer Justin Kutcher.
DENIIII FOR THREE. #WizNets | #DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/nzA3Lf91j3
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 13, 2020
Avdija also turned heads with a one-footed running floater from the top of the key as the halftime buzzer sounded.
DENI AT THE BUZZER! ? pic.twitter.com/ZVNNTHvAsE
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 14, 2020
The former Maccabi Tel Aviv star was a perfect six-for-six from the floor during his 24 minutes of playing time and also dished out two assists.
Deni didn’t miss. ?
15 points.
6/6 FG, 3/3 3PT.
4 rebounds.#WizNets | #DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/D7ciho2o3N— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 14, 2020
After trailing by as many as 26 points in the first half, the Wizards fought back to make it a close game late, but the Nets ended up eking out a 119-114 victory.
On Friday, the Wizards opened a Hebrew-language Twitter account featuring Avdija.
The Wizards have two more preseason games this week — both at home against the Detroit Pistons — before the regular season gets underway next Wednesday with a road showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers.
