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

Deni Avdija is proving to be a game-changer for the Portland Trail Blazers, and their offseason trade for him looks like a massive win.

Deni Avdija has gradually become the standout Trail Blazer on Portland’s roster. Due to his impressive performances, the versatile forward has become a Blazers building block and a vital part of their rebuilding process.

The Portland Trail Blazers held the upper hand throughout the second half on their way to a 125-112 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks and their former teammate.

For the second straight year, the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled Damian Lillard’s homecoming. Five Portland players scored in double figures as the Blazers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks by a score of 125-112 on Monday night at the Moda Center.

Blazers beat Bucks 125-112, keeping Damian Lillard winless in Portland. Avdija leads with 30 pts in dominant effort.

Damian Lillard's second trip back to Portland is nowhere near as big a deal as his first. After Lillard made a much-anticipated return last season, the buzz is much lighter this time as he and the Milwaukee Bucks visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

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.

Portland beats Milwaukee 125-112 with Avdija’s season-high 30 points, taking down Lillard’s Bucks in their second matchup since the trade.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard each scored 35 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 125-110 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night.