flag
back Back
3 Winners From the Blazers Season Opener vs. Suns

The Portland Trail Blazers steamrolled past the Phoenix Suns to pick up their first victory of the 2025-26 regular season.

Oct 21, 2026: Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard celebrates scoring a three point basket during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PORTLAND — The Portland Trail Blazers showcased pure dominance in their 124-83 victory against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night. It was an effervescent atmosphere, from Damian Lillard's pregame message to the fans, all the way until the clock hit triple zeroes.

Emphatic victories are the results of fantastic individual performances. Here are three in particular that stood out.

Robert Williams

Oct 21, 2026: Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach grabs a rebound during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Logging just 15 minutes in the blowout win, Robert Williams III imposed his will on the glass and helped set a physical tone for the Blazers in the first half.

He finished with only two points, which came via a thunderous slam on a pick-and-roll lob from Ja Morant, but totaled 10 rebounds and one block. Three of his boards were offensive, keeping possessions alive during the Blazers insane first quarter sprint, which included a 21-0 run.

From a back-up center, there's not much left you can ask for. There's little, if any, dropoff when he comes in for Donovan Clingan, which he first did with around five minutes left in the first quarter. Timelord's impact is sure to grow in closer games.

Ja Morant

Oct 21, 2026: Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant celebrates a three point basket by center Yang Hansen during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Morant was electric in his offcial debut with Portland. There were acrobatic finishes, feats of athleticism crashing the glass and spot-up threes drilled, eliciting strong reactions from the Rip City crowd.

The former All-NBA point guard recorded 14 points, five rebounds, eight assists, three steals and just one turnover in 22 minutes, posting a game-high +33 plus/minus. Morant was highly efficient from the field, shooting 6-for-8 overall and 2-for-3 from 3-point range.

Moments of chemistry between Morant and his fellow guards Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson trickled throughout the first three quarters. With as many question marks that have been cast around the guard rotation, Morant and co proved, at least for a night, that they are indeed capable of thriving next to one another.

"I was happy (with our peformance)," Morant said post game. "Before we even stepped on the floor, Dame reminded me of what everybody been saying."

Damian Lillard

Oct 21, 2026: Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard drives to the basket during the first half against Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Lillard was simply magic. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand all night. Rip City desperately wanted any reason to erupt for him, and he provided plenty of moments.

The 13-year NBA veteran finished with a game-high 25 points, six assists and three rebounds, shooting 7-for-12 overall, 6-for-10 from beyond the arc and 5-for-5 from the free throw line. There were pull-ups, spot-ups, side-steps — whatever the Suns allowed, Lillard went for.

He certainly didn't look like a guy coming off an Achilles tear.

"I did feel good, but I've felt good for months now," Lillard said. "I've been saying that, but I it's probably some people that might have been skeptical because they hadn't seen me. I hadn't been on the floor and been out in front of people, so I wouldn't say I was feeling it, but I've been feeling really good just moving around the floor, changing direction, stopping, going. My body is strong. I had 18, 19 months to prepare for this, and I didn't waste time, so I felt great tonight."

The Blazers next game is against the Sacramento Kings (0-1) on the road Friday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

You may like

Former Phoenix Suns guard has career night in season opener

aol.com 1 godzina temu

Dan Patrick's LeBron James-Larry Bird comparison sparks backlash, reaction

aol.com 35 minut temu

Former Cavalier Roundup: Ty Jerome Steals the Show In Memphis

si.com 39 minut temu

Pelicans' Early Concerns Magnified Themselves in Loss vs. Pacers

si.com 2 godziny temu

Memphis Grizzlies ride veteran wave as Jerome powers opening night rout

si.com 39 minut temu

Duke in the NBA: Jalen Johnson and Paolo Banchero square off

aol.com 37 minut temu

Starting 5: Season openers deliver standout performances

nba.com 2 godziny temu

What We Learned From Kings Opening Night Rotation

si.com 19 minut temu