“It Was Just Disrespectful”: Deni Avdija Blasts Victor Wembanyama’s Teammate for Provocation in Blazers Loss
unlicensed image ©unlicensed image In their hearts, the Portland Trail Blazers would feel like they should have a 3-1 series lead. For a second-straight home, and both at home, they lost a double-digit first-point lead. The Spurs have found ways to overcome large deficits and completely take control in the second half.
It was frustrating for Portland, with matters turning into a near altercation in the fourth quarter. All-Star Deni Avdija couldn’t handle Stephon Castle’s provocation. After another uncontested layup for the Spurs, Castle intentionally pushed the ball into Avdija’s chest.
The Trail Blazers forward took exception, pushing the former ROTY. It resulted in a heated moment after Castle’s push in response. Both players received technicals, but Avdija seemed to think the Spurs star should have been punished more since Castle was the instigator.
“I don’t play those games. It’s not who I am. You can be tough, you can be, you know, physical, but there’s a level of disrespect that I’m not going to I’m not going to accept.
You know, he’s done a lot of provocation… He does a lot of provocation throughout the whole game. And I think uh at one point it was just disrespectful,” the Trail Blazers forward said after the game. Stephon Castle battled the road environment by embracing the crowd’s pressure.