The 70-year-old king: Moti Arwasti interviews Miki Berkovich/Ahrle Weisberg, photography: Yotam Ronen, editing: Gilad Mann-Manheim
Danny Avdia entered the All-Star break in the best shape of his NBA career.
The Washington player stunned with 43 points in the loss to New Orleans, and he will hope to continue from where he left off when he meets the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets tonight (between Thursday and Friday).
The Israeli experienced his breakout season precisely during such a difficult time in his homeland.
In an interview he gave to a local radio station in Washington, he was asked about this, and admitted: "It is very difficult. At the beginning of the war, the season had just begun, I had friends who were fighting in the army and I just wanted my family to be safe. My heart and prayers are with the families. My job is to represent and be there for my country , and show the entire NBA what's going on. It's good that I was in a good time and could convey a message."
Last week Avdia received great compliments for his character and competitive nature from Kevin Garnett, no less and no more.
"It always feels good to hear things like that from a guy who competed in every game like he did," he said.
"We have a very similar mentality in that respect, it felt good."
Just keep it up.
Avdia/GettyImages, Patrick Smith
Washington experienced some improvement with the replacement of Wes Anseld with assistant Brian Keefe.
Avdia was asked what has changed with the new coach and said: "We compete, we are more proud of our defense. He gives us confidence to play faster, and our chemistry is much better - we talk to each other after games about what is missing, and that is the most important. He is great , he put us in the right places to succeed and I hope that will translate into victories."
Finally, regarding Jordan Paul, who has difficulty meeting expectations and recorded a rather disappointing performance in the first half of the season, the Israeli said: "He's a great guy, works hard, we trust him and know he's an excellent player. Players have good and bad games, that's part of basketball. He He works hard and that's the most important thing, we all trust him to make the right decisions and I'm convinced that he has more good days ahead of him."
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