Damian Lillard returns to Trail Blazers, scores 25 in win over Suns
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The gist
Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard scored 25 points in 24 minutes in his first NBA game in 542 days, a 124-83 win over Phoenix.
The 36-year-old nine-time All-Star is back in Portland after an Achilles tear and a Bucks waiver.
Background
Damian Lillard is the Portland Trail Blazers' point guard and all-time leading scorer, with 19,376 points from 2012-23, and a nine-time NBA All-Star. He spent his first 11 seasons in Portland before two in Milwaukee, where he tore his left Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs; the Bucks then waived him, and he signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to Portland. He sat out the entire 2025-26 season rehabbing, and his return is trending because he delivered immediately in his first game back.
How it unfolded
- Apr 27, 2025Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
- Jul 7, 2025Milwaukee waived Lillard, paying the remaining $113 million owed over five seasons via a stretch provision, clearing room to sign Myles Turner.
- July 2025Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million deal to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers.
- 2025 -26 seasonLillard missed the entire season rehabbing the Achilles injury.
- Oct 16, 2026Lillard played in the preseason against the Golden State Warriors.
- Oct 21, 2026In his first NBA game in 542 days, Lillard scored 25 points in 24 minutes as Portland beat Phoenix 124-83, opening with a 21-0 run.
Who’s saying what
- Player
- Lillard said being hurt and waived was "the darkest day," and that he missed "winning, losing, trying to figure it out, criticism."
- Teammate
- Ja Morant said Lillard "hasn't played in 18 months, and he comes out and delivered the way he did for us. Special, man."
- Coach
- Head coach Micah Nori said he and Lillard believe Lillard will be "the same" in his return.
- Public
- Lillard called the fans' reception "a lot of love."
Still unverified
Lillard said some people "might have been skeptical" about his recovery because they hadn't seen him play.