‘A Dream Come True’: Israel’s Avdija Starts for Wizards, Scores 7 Points in NBA Debut
by Barney Breen-Portnoy

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons passes the ball past Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook and forward Deni Avdija, during a game at Wells Fargo Center, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 23, 2020. Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports.
Israeli rookie Deni Avdija gave a solid performance in his NBA debut on Wednesday, notching seven points and four rebounds, as his Washington Wizards fell in their regular-season opener to the Philadelphia 76ers 113-107.
The 19-year-old small forward — who was drafted ninth overall by Washington last month — was in the starting five for the Wizards and scored his first basket, a three-pointer, just under five minutes into the first quarter of the contest at Wells Fargo Center.
Deniii for threee! pic.twitter.com/wHOlO4HL5b
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 24, 2020
In a two-minute window in the third quarter, the ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv hoopster hit another three-pointer, dished out an assist to All-Star guard Bradley Beal — who finished with a dunk — and also recorded a steal.
Deni finds BRAD. ??#WizSixers | @NBCSWashington pic.twitter.com/pij9nbDE4H
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 24, 2020
“First NBA game, it’s always great, regardless of the loss,” Avdija told reporters afterward. “I’m a little bit frustrated, you know, we lost, but for me to go out there and play with my team and compete, it’s a dream come true.”
? Deni Avdija, Bradley Beal, and Russell Westbrook spoke to the media after tonight’s game.#WizSixers | #DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/MDgO7g7p5i
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 24, 2020
Wizards head coach Scott Brooks had high praise for Avdija, saying, “I thought he was fantastic…He cares, he’s passionate, he wants to do well. I thought he played well.”
“He makes winning basketball plays and that’s all I care about,” Brooks added.