Damian Lillard scores 25 in Trail Blazers' 41-point victory over Suns
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 4:36 AM
Last updated Oct 22, 2026
The Trail Blazers began their 2026-27 NBA season with a decisive 124-83 win over the Suns at the Moda Center on October 22. Damian Lillard, returning to the team after recovering from an Achilles injury, scored 25 points and hit six three-pointers, leading Portland in a historic performance. The Blazers surged to a 21-0 lead, the longest opening run in 25 years, and held a commanding 43-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Phoenix struggled offensively, shooting just 4-of-20 in the opening period. Lillard had 17 points at halftime, while Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 overall. This victory marked Portland's first season-opening win since 2022.
- •Trail Blazers opened with a 21-0 run, a league record for 25 years.
- •Lillard scored 25 points, including six three-pointers in his return.
- •Portland led 43-12 at the end of the first quarter.
- •Phoenix struggled, completing only 4-of-20 shots in the first quarter.
- •Devin Booker was the top scorer for the Suns with 23 points.
- 4:36 AMYahoo Sports — Trail Blazers Dominate Suns in 41-Point Opening Night Victory
- 4:27 AMYahoo Sports — Damian Lillard drops 25 points in Trail Blazers return, leads historic 41-point rout over Suns in season opener
"Damian Lillard and Ja Morant ignited a historic first-quarter explosion, fueling Micah Nori’s coaching debut as Portland dismantled Phoenix to signal a new era of Western Conference contention.
"The Trail Blazers opened Wednesday night with a 21-0 run, the largest run to open a contest anywhere in the league over the past 25 years.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 22, 2026, 4:36 AMTrail Blazers Dominate Suns in 41-Point Opening Night Victory
Damian Lillard and Ja Morant ignited a historic first-quarter explosion, fueling Micah Nori’s coaching debut as Portland dismantled Phoenix to signal a new era of Western Conference contention.
- Yahoo SportsOct 22, 2026, 4:27 AMDamian Lillard drops 25 points in Trail Blazers return, leads historic 41-point rout over Suns in season opener
The Trail Blazers opened Wednesday night with a 21-0 run, the largest run to open a contest anywhere in the league over the past 25 years.
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