Israeli Deni Avdija made his NBA debut Wednesday as the Washington Wizards took on the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 19-year-old rookie - who was taken at ninth place by the team in the draft - started at the small forward position, scoring seven points and collecting four rebounds and an assist in 28 minutes of gameplay.
Avdija shot 2-2 from beyond the arc and finished the game with an 18 plus-minus, Washington's highest during the game.
Asked whether he should have to try to take more shots, Avdija said at the post-game press conference: "It's the first game, and everybody's excited. I just took a shot when I had the opportunity; I'm not forcing anything. I'm going to be patient, it's only the first game, and of course, throughout the season, we're going to get better."
The Wizards led by as many 12 points, thanks to a strong third quarter, but came up short and lost 113-107, as Joel Embid dominated the paint in the last quarter and ended with 29 and 14 rebounds overall. It was the Wizards' eight straight loss in Philadelphia.
Russell Westbrook collected his 147th career triple-double, ending the game with 21 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds. Bradley Beal scored 31 points in 35 minutes.
First published: 08:25, 12.24.20