Trail Blazers open season with 124-83 win over Suns

The Portland Trail Blazers opened their season with a 124-83 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, October 21, behind Damian Lillard’s 25 points and Ja Morant’s debut for the team. Lillard’s first regular-season game since rejoining Portland ended with him leading all scorers. He made six three-pointers. Morant, acquired in an offseason trade with Memphis, finished with 14 points and eight assists. Toumani Camara also scored 18 points, while Deni Avdija had 18 points and 10 rebounds after being cleared to start despite a right ankle injury. Portland seized control immediately, opening with a 21-0 run. Phoenix’s first points came on free throws with 5:54 left in the first quarter. The Blazers led 72-39 at halftime and stretched their advantage to 52 points. Coach Micah Nori took Portland’s starters out early in the final quarter. The Suns struggled to score throughout the game. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 23 points, but the team made 36% of its field-goal attempts and went 6 for 31 from three-point range. Portland’s defense helped keep the visitors at a distance as the lead grew. Lillard spent his first 11 NBA seasons in Portland before playing two seasons with...