Damian Lillard is back where it all started, but this time, he’ll get to play alongside another superstar. After more than three years away from the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard made his long-awaited return to the court Wednesday night, giving fans their first glimpse of a new backcourt featuring himself and Ja Morant. The Trail Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors 123-118 in their preseason opener at Moda Center, but the final score was hardly the biggest storyline of the night.
For Portland fans, seeing Lillard back in a Trail Blazers uniform was a moment many thought they would never experience again. Now, with Morant alongside him, the franchise is hoping this homecoming marks the beginning of something special. Lillard wasted little time giving Portland fans a reminder of the good old days and what they've been missing over the past three seasons.
The nine-time All-Star scored 15 points in just 19 minutes, shooting 5-of-11 from the field and connecting on three 3-pointers. All three of those shots from beyond the arc came during the first quarter, giving the Portland crowd plenty of reasons to celebrate. It was Lillard's first appearance in a Trail Blazers uniform since March 2023, before the franchise traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks.
His time in Milwaukee was supposed to provide an opportunity to compete for an NBA championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, but injuries and disappointing playoff results prevented that partnership from reaching its full potential. Lillard suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the 2025 playoffs and missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering. Now 36 years old, the veteran guard is looking to prove he can still perform at a high level.
Wednesday offered an encouraging first glimpse. Following the victory, Lillard reflected on the reception he received from the fans who supported him throughout the first 11 seasons of his NBA career. "It felt like I was back where I belong, back home," Lillard said, according to Blazer's Edge.
While Lillard's return provided an emotional moment, Morant's arrival represents another important chapter in Portland's future. The Trail Blazers acquired the two-time All-Star from the Memphis Grizzlies in June in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. The trade gave Portland another dynamic playmaker capable of creating offense for himself and his teammates.
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