Danny Abdia tonight (Wednesday-Thursday) hosted his NBA debut game with his Washington Wizards, who lost to the Philadelphia Sixers 113-107 at the end of a close game.
The Israeli rookie started in the Wizards’ five, played 28 minutes and scored 7 points (2 of 2 for three, 1 of 2 from the penalty line), and added four rebounds, assists, steals and losses.
Coach Scott Brooks praised him at the end: “He was fantastic. No matter what he said there are some butterflies in his stomach. I think he played well. More chances on offense? It will come. We will teach him and he us. He performs winning basketball actions and that’s what I saw from him before. “He cares. He cares about the victory. I know he is only 19 years old but he plays with a passion and determination that I love very much.”
Scott Brooks says he thought Deni Avdija was “fantastic”
– Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 24, 2020
The team star who arrived at the trade from Houston, Russell Westbrook, recorded a triple-double in his debut game in the Wizards uniform and also complimented Abdia. “I think he was good, solid. He was aggressive a few times, did the right thing. He will be a good player in this league.”
Abdia himself said after the game: “Regardless of the disappointment from the loss, it’s exciting, a dream come true. I worked hard to reach this special moment. I threw when I was free. Not to forget it was the first game, everyone is excited. I will not force shots. I will be patient. We hope to win “In the next games and maybe I will take more shots. I was not stressed. Everyone talks to me positively. I am glad I came from Israel and I have support from an entire country and everyone wants me to succeed. Fun to play when everyone is behind me. Hopefully we will get through it together and be proud of me.”