By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
For the third game in a row, Deni Avdija set a new season-high in points all the way to equaling his NBA-high 21 points Sunday.
“I just like how everything goes. Mentally, staying strong. Keep being ready. Always believing in yourself, that is the most important,” he said in the postgame press conference following the home win against the Memphis Grizzlies on the latest edition of NBA Sundays, “I am enjoying the way. I am enjoying the process. My teammates got my back, so I am happy.”
Avdija, 21, matched his best scoring showing in the NBA. Improving it is the next step.
“I was one point away from a career-high today. I missed two free throws. I told one of the guys, ‘God did not give it to me yet,’. It means he wanted me to stay humble, keep working,” he described referring to missing two of his three free-throw opportunities, “I think that is why I did not break it.”
Firmly established as the key defensive force of the Wizards, he aspires to become a major contributor in the offense as well and shared his plan.
“I am just trying to stay aggressive on both ends of the floor,” the Israeli small forward added, “My main goal is to help the team defensively as much as I can. Both on the glass and on the best player. I enjoy doing that. And just start being aggressive on offense, use my body and how tall I am, and just create for others sometimes too. I am enjoying it and am just going with the flow.”
Starting alongside Latvian Kristaps Porzingis shapes a powerful pairing in Washington.
“Me and KP, we have a great relationship off the court too,” said Avdija, “He is good. He is supporting. He is a great big. He can space the floor. It is very hard for the defense to react to that. I just enjoy playing with him. He is a smart player.”
Climbing to 8-6 with four wins in a row, the Wizards will conclude the six-game homestand this week. Coming up are the Oklahoma City Thunder Wednesday, Miami Heat Friday, and Charlotte Hornets Sunday.
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