It’s been nearly three years since a Portland Trail Blazers player has been named Western Conference Player of the Week.
Until now.
Forward Deni Avdija earned the honor on Monday following an exceptional four-game stretch in which he averaged 26.8 points, 9.8 assists and 8.5 rebounds, while leading the Blazers to a 3-1 record.
The week, which included games played between Dec. 29 and Jan. 4, featured a birthday triple-double, a double-double against the New Orleans Pelicans and a dominant performance against the Dallas Mavericks.
After opening with 27 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds in a 125-122 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Avdija ended his memorable week with an exclamation point, recording 29 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in a 115-110 win at the San Antonio Spurs.
The latter came on Avdija’s 25th birthday and helped deliver the Blazers (16-20) their fourth win in five games.
Avdija, who became the 14th player in Blazers history to be named Western Conference Player of the Week, earned the award for the first time in his six-year career.
Damian Lillard was the last Blazers player to earn the honor, doing so on Feb. 6, 2023.