Avdija Just Shy of Triple-Double as Trail Blazers Hold Off Mavericks 125-122

In a thrilling, back-and-forth contest at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on December 29, 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers edged out the visiting Dallas Mavericks 125-122. Deni Avdija fell one rebound short of a triple-double, posting 27 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds to lead the Blazers to victory. The win improved Portland’s record to 14-19, while Dallas dropped to 12-22, extending their losing streak to three games ahead of a New Year’s Day matchup against Philadelphia.

Game Summary and Key Moments

The Trail Blazers dominated early, jumping out to a 42-29 lead after the first quarter behind hot shooting, including multiple threes. Portland extended their advantage to as many as 17 points in the second quarter, entering halftime up 75-63. Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe each had 16 points in the first half, combining for 13 assists as the Blazers moved the ball crisply.

Dallas, playing without star big man Anthony Davis due to adductor soreness, struggled defensively early but mounted a comeback in the third quarter. A 9-2 run late in the period, capped by a running three-pointer from Klay Thompson, trimmed the deficit to 97-93 heading into the fourth.

The final frame was a rollercoaster with eight lead changes and seven ties. Klay Thompson tied the game at 99 early in the quarter, and Max Christie’s three-pointer gave Dallas their first lead of the second half at 106-105 with under seven minutes remaining. The Mavericks pushed ahead by four points, but Portland responded forcefully.

Deni Avdija sparked the counterattack with a tough driving layup, followed immediately by a Caleb Love three-pointer to reclaim the lead at 118-117. Shaedon Sharpe added a fast-break layup, and later, clutch free throws from Love, Avdija, and Sharpe sealed the deal. Max Christie’s three gave Dallas a brief 122-121 edge with 1:09 left, but the Mavericks managed no points thereafter, missing four three-pointers in the final 1:38—including open looks and Klay Thompson’s potential game-tying attempt at the buzzer.

Standout Performances

Portland Trail Blazers:

• Deni Avdija: 27 points (9-18 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 8-12 FT), 9 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals in 39 minutes. Avdija was the orchestrator, slicing through Dallas’s defense for runners, finger rolls, and key passes. His near triple-double underscored his breakout 2025-26 season, where he’s averaging around 25.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.
• Shaedon Sharpe: 24 points, including efficient scoring in transition and from beyond the arc.
• Caleb Love (bench): 24 points on 8-15 shooting, with 6-10 from three, including 12 points in the fourth quarter that proved pivotal.
• Donovan Clingan: 18 points (8-10 FG), strong presence in the paint with rebounding.

• Dallas Mavericks:

  • Max Christie: Team-high 25 points, including the three that briefly gave Dallas the late lead.
  • Brandon Williams: 22 points off the bench, providing scoring punch.
  • Naji Marshall: 17 points.
  • Daniel Gafford: 17 points.
  • Cooper Flagg (rookie): 15 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists. The No. 1 overall pick showed playmaking flashes but couldn’t close out the game, as Portland sold out to stop his drives in the final minute.
  • Klay Thompson: 14 points, including clutch threes to fuel the comeback.

  • Statistical Breakdown

    Portland shot efficiently early but cooled off, finishing with strong ball movement (27 assists). They dominated the paint at times and hit timely shots in the clutch. Dallas shot 50.5% from the field but only 34.4% from three (11-32), and their 19 turnovers led to transition opportunities for Portland.

    Rebounding was close, but Portland’s second-chance points and free-throw accuracy (higher attempts converted) made the difference. The game featured high pace, with both teams pushing tempo—Dallas scoring 62 points in the paint but unable to contain Avdija’s versatility.

    Team Contexts and Implications

    The Portland Trail Blazers, in a rebuilding phase with young talent like Sharpe, Clingan, and Avdija emerging as a star, showed resilience in clutch situations—something they’ve struggled with this season (entering with many close losses). This win, their second straight, highlights growth, particularly Avdija’s All-Star caliber play and Love’s bench spark.

    For the Dallas Mavericks, the absence of Anthony Davis loomed large, as their interior defense suffered. Rookie Cooper Flagg continues to impress with all-around contributions, but inconsistency and closing woes have plagued the team amid roster adjustments post-Luka Dončić era. The loss marks another blown opportunity in a winnable road game, deepening their skid.

  • Venue and Atmosphere

    Played at the Moda Center, known for its passionate Rip City fans, the crowd erupted during Portland’s early run and clutch moments. The arena’s intimate setup amplified the tension in the wild fourth quarter.

    Postgame Reactions and Looking Ahead

    Postgame, Avdija emphasized team poise: “We stuck together, made the right plays down the stretch.” Blazers coach praised the clutch execution and a bit of luck on Dallas’s missed threes.

    Dallas looks to rebound at home against the 76ers on January 1, 2026, hoping for Davis’s return. Portland travels to Oklahoma City.

    This matchup showcased the NBA’s exciting youth—Avdija’s dominance, Flagg’s potential—and veteran contributions in a high-scoring affair that went down to the wire.