The rise of Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija continued Tuesday during a 125-112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at the Moda Center. Avdija led the Blazers with a season-high 30 points and added nine rebounds with four assists, a performance coach Chauncey Billups recognized as the forward’s best since arriving to Rip City this season.

Deni Avdija scored a season-best 30 points and collected nine rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled Damian Lillard's return to town for the second straight season with a solid 125-112 victory over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.

Trail Blazers' Camara #33 is helped up by teammates Donovan Clingan #23 and Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers after drawing a foul during the third quarter of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Moda Center on January 28, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images) Getty Images

The Milwaukee Bucks lost handedly to the Portland Trail Blazers 125-112. Giannis stuffed the scoreboard for the Bucks, but his 39 points felt like empty calories, while Dame only managed 20 in his second homecoming.