Deni Avdija

Clinging to a three-point lead with a surging Joel Embiid rumbling toward the basket, the Washington Wizards were in need of a critical defensive stop. Enter Deni Avdija. The third-year forward comes up clutch, timing Embiid’s trajectory perfectly by reaching down low and blocking the Philadelphia 76ers All-Star’s driving layup attempt with 23 seconds remaining. Avdija — who would later sink two free throws to put the game out of reach — contributed seven points, three rebounds and one game-saving block in Washington’s 116-111 victory on December 27, 2022, snapping Philly’s eight-game win streak in the process.