Deni Avdija scores 34 as Blazers extend Pelicans’ misery

Deni Avdija scored 34 points and dished 11 assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers sent the host New Orleans Pelicans to a sixth consecutive loss with 122-109 decision on Friday.

Avdija buoyed the Blazers for much of the first half, having scored almost half of Portland's points deep into the second quarter.

Once his teammates came alive offensively, including Shaedon Sharpe (23 points), the Blazers created separation in the second half after rallying from a 10-point first-quarter deficit.