Damian Lillard shines with 25 points in his Trail Blazers return

Lillard dominates in Portland return

Damian Lillard made a big statement in his first regular season game back with the Portland Trail Blazers. The star guard scored 25 points and knocked down six 3 pointers on Wednesday night, leading Portland to a dominant 124-83 win against the Phoenix Suns.

It was a long recovery for the nine time All Star. Lillard spent roughly 16 months rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. Before the game at Moda Center, he addressed the crowd and received an extended standing ovation.

Lillard mentioned after the game that he felt good, but he knew fans might be skeptical since they had not seen him on the floor in front of people for a long time.

A fresh start with familiar roots

The guard noted that the fans showed a lot of love, pointing to the close bond he shares with the city. Lillard spent his first 11 seasons in Portland before spending two years with Milwaukee. He rejoined the Trail Blazers in July 2025 on a three year deal worth $42 million.

During his final year in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists, though deep vein thrombosis held him to 58 games. Across his career, he averages 25.1 points and 6.7 assists per game.

New arrival Ja Morant also debuted for Portland, adding 14 points in the victory. Morant praised Lillard after the game, calling his performance special after being out for so long. Lillard added that it felt great to be welcomed back as part of a strong team.

What it means for the next game

Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings (NBA, Sat, 24 Oct): Sacramento Kings win 30%, Portland Trail Blazers win 70%; projected score Sacramento Kings 113, Portland Trail Blazers 119. Our safest pick: Trail Blazers to win.

Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, Wed, 28 Oct): Los Angeles Lakers win 58%, Portland Trail Blazers win 42%; projected score Los Angeles Lakers 114, Portland Trail Blazers 111. Our safest pick: Lakers +4.5.