Deni Avdija’s 24 Points Not Enough as Blazers Fall to Grizzlies, 124-103

Portland and Memphis Trade Baskets

Portland and Memphis each scored 25 points in the opening quarter, then put up 33 apiece in the second. That left the teams level at 58 going into halftime.

The Blazers made 22 of 48 shots in the first half, or 45.8 percent. From three-point range, however, they connected on just seven of 26 attempts, a 26.9 percent rate.

Grizzlies Find Their Range

Memphis shot 22-for-50 overall before halftime, including nine makes on 24 three-point attempts. The Grizzlies’ 37.5 percent accuracy from deep was better than Portland’s mark. Deni Avdija had 13 points by the break for Portland, while Donovan Clingan had 11. Cameron Boozer led Memphis with 13 first-half points, and Quinten Post added 10.

Third Quarter Creates Separation

Memphis outscored Portland 33-25 in the third quarter and held the lead from then on. The Grizzlies finished with a 124-103 win. Avdija’s 24 points were the game’s highest total, while Boozer led Memphis with 18. The defeat came after the Blazers opened the season with three straight wins.