Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard gave the Trail Blazers a familiar performance in his return. His responsibilities, however, look different this time around, and he’s happy about that.
Lillard scored 25 points and made six three-pointers in 23 minutes Wednesday as Portland routed the Suns 124-83. It was his first regular-season game since recovering from a torn Achilles and his first with the Blazers since 2023. The reception was everything he expected.
“It was a lot of love, you know?” Lillard said, via Jason Quick of The Athletic. “The fans showed a lot of love. It’s no secret the relationship between myself and our fans in the city of Portland.”
But Lillard also sounds enthusiastic about sharing the work. With Ja Morant, Deni Avdija and others capable of creating offense, Portland doesn’t need him to manufacture every important possession.
“I love it, man. I love that you got a bunch of guys out there who are a threat, who can handle the ball, who can attack and get stuff done,” he said. “It’s a more sustainable way of doing things.”
Quick reports that Lillard used his rehabilitation season to study his teammates, attending practices and frequently traveling with the team. That helped him develop an understanding of where he could contribute upon returning.
“I did my homework for a whole season,” Lillard said. “And coming into this season, I knew what my approach needed to be, as a leader, as a teammate. And how to be myself within this team. That meant accepting that it’s going to be done collectively, accepting that other people are going to have moments.”
Former teammate Evan Turner, who attended the opener, believes that supporting cast could help extend Lillard’s career.
“He doesn’t have to carry,” Turner told Quick. “He’s going to extend his career about two or three years just by being a secret weapon and a leader.”
Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton was moved to tears during his postgame interview after returning from the Achilles tear he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals.
“It means a lot to be back out here,” he told sideline reporter Jeremiah Johnson, via Cameron Salerno of CBS Sports. “I’m just really thankful to be back out here.”
Haliburton finished with 23 points and 12 assists in Wednesday’s 123-120 win over the Pelicans, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter. His three-point play through contact from Zion Williamson with 1:25 remaining put Indiana ahead for good.
The Pacers went 19-63 while Haliburton missed last season. His first game back offered an immediate reminder of what they were missing.
Clippers
Tyronn Lue dedicated Wednesday’s 121-96 win over the Kings to suspended owner Steve Ballmer. “That win was for Mr. Ballmer,” Lue said, via Robby Kalland of CBS Sports. “Just want to say thank you for everything. We’re still fighting for him.”
Ballmer is serving a season-long suspension following the NBA’s findings of salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard, who has since been traded to the Raptors.
The penalties also included a $30 million fine and the forfeiture of five first-round picks. Lue called Ballmer “one of the best men I know,” while Darius Garland said the owner was “here in spirit.”
The Clippers now face a demanding stretch that includes the Lakers twice, along with the Thunder, Timberwolves, Warriors and Raptors.
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