Lillard Leads Blazers’ 43-12 First-Quarter Surge

Damian Lillard is returning to Portland after three years away, bringing a major offensive upgrade to a Trail Blazers lineup that opened its game against Phoenix with a dominant first quarter. His shooting and playmaking alongside Deni Avdija and Ja Morant helped create space and drive the offense, while the Suns announced their starting lineup for Wednesday’s matchup. The homecoming carries added significance for former teammates who still respect Lillard despite the unfinished business of his earlier Portland tenure; he now returns at 36 and recovering from a torn Achilles. Lillard has been working through his offseason recovery and has also defended his Milwaukee years, pointing to the team’s strong regular-season results while noting that injuries disrupted its playoff chances.