Deni Avdija’s first All-Star appearance — hopefully the first of many in his career — ended after two mini-games, as the World team lost to both American squads and did not advance to the final.
In the 15 minutes he played across the two games, Avdija scored five points — all in the first matchup — on 2-of-4 shooting from the field, including 1 of 3 from 3-point range. He added four assists, one rebound and three turnovers.
The event featured a new format with three teams and 12-minute mini-games. The change created more tension and even some defensive intensity, but highlight plays were largely replaced — in line with league trends — by a barrage of 3-point attempts.
Avdija appeared emotional and somewhat tense during pregame introductions. Starting for the World team in its opener against the Stars he needed a few minutes to settle in. He opened with a turnover and a missed corner 3 before scoring Israel’s first-ever All-Star points on a 3-pointer. He later added a dunk and two assists in his first seven and a half minutes.
Deni Avdija and the Israeli flag on the screen
(Video: Ayala Orel)
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs set the tone early, blocking three shots, controlling the boards and scoring 14 points. When he went to the bench along with Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic — who did not appear fully engaged — the World reserves, with Avdija, extended the lead to 26-17. The Stars rallied behind Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards, whose 3-pointer forced overtime. Under the game’s rules, the first team to reach five points in overtime won, and Scottie Barnes sealed it for the Stars.
The Stars then faced the Stripes — the veteran American All-Stars — and lost on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by San Antonio’s De’Aaron Fox. That left the World team needing a victory of at least three points over the Stripes to reach the final.
Avdija again started but opened with two turnovers before settling in with a rebound and an assist to Jamal Murray for a 3-pointer. Wembanyama once again dictated the tempo, and Avdija delivered a lob to Pascal Siakam that helped build a seven-point lead. After Avdija went to the bench, Kawhi Leonard erupted for 11 points in a minute and a half to spark a comeback. Leonard, who was not initially selected and was added by Commissioner Adam Silver as a replacement, scored 31 points in the 12-minute game to carry the Stripes to the win and into the final. Jokic and Doncic did not play in that matchup.
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Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama attended
(Photo: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The championship game was one-sided. The veterans appeared drained after two earlier wins, while the Stars dominated behind Jalen Duren and Edwards, who was named the evening’s MVP. The Stars defeated the Stripes decisively to claim the title.