Damian Lillard made his long-awaited regular-season return Wednesday night, and the Portland Trail Blazers could not have asked for a better start. Lillard scored 25 points in his first regular-season game since recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, leading Portland to a commanding 124-83 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the season opener.
The performance marked Lillard’s first regular season appearance since the 2025 postseason and his first game back with Portland after spending two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. After missing the entire 2025-26 campaign, the veteran guard looked comfortable in his return to the franchise where he spent the first 11 seasons of his NBA career.
Lillard Leads Historic Start
Portland wasted no time taking control, opening the game with a remarkable 21-0 run. The Trail Blazers overwhelmed Phoenix early, forcing difficult shots and finding open looks from beyond the arc.
Lillard played a major role in the explosive opening, scoring 12 points in the first quarter alone. He knocked down three-pointers and showed the shooting ability that made him one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players before his injury.
The Blazers finished the first quarter with a commanding 43-12 advantage and carried a 72-39 lead into halftime. Lillard had already scored 17 points by the break, giving Portland plenty of momentum heading into the second half.
He finished with 25 points, six assists and six three-pointers, delivering an impressive performance in his first official game back.
Portland’s New Look Offense Delivers
Lillard was not the only Trail Blazer making an impact. Deni Avdija contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Toumani Camara also scored 18 points. New addition Ja Morant finished with 14 points and eight assists, offering an early glimpse of the potential chemistry between Portland’s two dynamic guards.
The combination of Lillard’s perimeter shooting and Morant’s ability to attack the basket could give Portland an exciting offensive foundation this season.
Phoenix struggled to find answers throughout the night. Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points, but the team shot poorly and never recovered from its disastrous opening quarter.
A Promising New Chapter
For Lillard, the victory represented more than just a strong individual performance. After months of rehabilitation, he returned to the court and immediately helped Portland secure a decisive win.
The Trail Blazers have plenty of work ahead, but their season-opening performance offered reasons for optimism. With Lillard healthy and a new backcourt partnership developing, Portland will look to build on its dominant start.
If Wednesday night is any indication, Lillard’s return could make the Trail Blazers a team worth watching this season.
