Trail Blazers: Henderson Shines as Avdija Returns to Portland Lineup
The Portland Trail Blazers are finding a rhythm as they navigate the final stretch of the season. A key element of that progress came Sunday against the Indiana Pacers, where Scoot Henderson
delivered his most impactful offensive performance of the year, scoring 28 points, following the return of Deni Avdija
to the starting lineup after a six-game absence.
Avdija’s Return, Henderson’s Opportunity
The return of Avdija, a key facilitator for the Blazers, initially appeared to potentially diminish Henderson’s role. However, the shift to a bench position seemed to unlock a fresh level of performance for the young point guard.
Henderson, who suffered a torn left hamstring in September, didn’t return to competition until February 6th. Even as early returns were promising, he had struggled to consistently impose his will on games while in the starting lineup.
A Shift in Perspective
“We will always encourage him,”
Deni Avdija
Avdija emphasized the need for patience with Henderson’s development, acknowledging the challenges of integrating back into the team after a significant injury. He noted that accumulating game experience is crucial for the young guard.
Henderson’s Breakout Performance
Henderson’s performance against the Pacers was a marked improvement from his recent outings. He delivered one of the best first halves of his young career, scoring 19 points, including 13 in the second quarter, while too dishing out 5 assists without a single turnover – a first for him this season.
“He bounced back well,”
Trail Blazers coach Thiago Splitter
Splitter highlighted the importance of Henderson focusing on what he could control – playing hard and setting the pace.
Team Support and Future Outlook
“When he plays with this level of intensity and this willingness to attack his defender, I feel like he is unstoppable,”
Toumani Camara
Camara praised Henderson’s aggressive approach and potential impact on the game.
Henderson himself expressed a focus on enjoying the game and maintaining a consistent mindset, regardless of performance. I never feel sorry for myself: after a good match or after a terrible one, I think about the next action
, he stated.
With Avdija back in the lineup and Henderson finding his stride, the Trail Blazers are hoping to make a push for the play-in tournament. Portland currently trails the eighth-place Golden State Warriors by two games.
| Scoot Henderson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | BY | 62 | 28:28 | 38.5 | 32.5 | 81.9 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 5.4 | 3.1 | 0.8 | 3.4 | 0.2 | 14.0 |
| 2024-25 | BY | 66 | 26:39 | 41.9 | 35.4 | 76.7 | 0.8 | 2.2 | 3.0 | 5.1 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 12.7 |
| 2025-26 | BY | 13 | 23:09 | 39.3 | 25.4 | 83.3 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 2.8 | 4.5 | 2.8 | 0.4 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 12.9 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
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