Lillard’s Triumphant Comeback and Morant’s Blazers Debut Power Portland to Dominant Victory Over Suns

Key Takeaways:

• Damian Lillard tallied 25 points in his first regular-season appearance since returning to Portland, as the Blazers overpowered the Phoenix Suns 124-83
• Ja Morant marked his Trail Blazers debut with 14 points and eight assists, following his acquisition from the Memphis Grizzlies in the offseason
• The Blazers surged to an early 21-0 lead and ultimately achieved a 52-point advantage, with Phoenix recording just 36% shooting from the field

Season Opener: Blazers Set the Tone Early

Damian Lillard starred for the Portland Trail Blazers in his long-awaited return, notching 25 points to inspire a commanding 124-83 win over the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center on Wednesday night. Lillard, back for his first regular-season game since rejoining Portland in the summer of 2025 after two years with the Milwaukee Bucks and time recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, looked sharp from tip-off.

Portland wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing out to a remarkable 21-0 lead courtesy of early three-pointers from Lillard, Ja Morant, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan. The hosts maintained control throughout, stretching their lead to as much as 52 points.

Game summary: wasn’t close. https://t.co/wHis0jaHRX

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 22, 2026

Offseason Moves and New Faces Make an Immediate Impact

The Blazers’ off-season business paid dividends instantly. Ja Morant, acquired in a major trade that sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to the Memphis Grizzlies, contributed 14 points alongside eight assists in his Trail Blazers debut. Rookie head coach Micah Nori, who arrived from the Timberwolves after Tiago Splitter’s brief tenure following Chauncey Billups’ dismissal, made a successful start to his time in charge.

Toumani Camara also impressed, chipping in with 18 points, while Deni Avdija started despite being a game-time decision due to a right ankle injury. Avdija, who had been a revelation last season with an average of 24.2 points per game, registered 18 points and 10 rebounds on the night.

Portland’s Defensive Prowess Sinks the Suns

The Suns, beginning Devin Booker’s 12th NBA campaign, struggled offensively throughout the contest. Booker was the bright spark for Phoenix, finishing with 23 points. However, the Suns were held to just 36% from the field and converted only 6 of 31 attempts from beyond the arc. Their first points, coming from free throws with 5:54 left in the opening quarter, reflected the early pressure from Portland.

Looking Ahead

With momentum building following their emphatic start, the Trail Blazers are set to visit the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Meanwhile, the Suns will look to regroup before hosting the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.