Lillard Returns, Blazers Beat Warriors 123-118

Portland opened its preseason with a 123-118 win over a shorthanded Golden State team, in a game that marked Damian Lillard’s return to the Blazers after a lengthy absence and the coaching debut of Micah Nori. Lillard scored 15 points in 19 minutes, including three first-quarter three-pointers, and received a raucous welcome from the Moda Center crowd. Ja Morant added eight points and five assists in his first outing alongside Lillard; the pair showed flashes of promise but also some rust and turnovers. Deni Avdija led Portland with 23 points, while Robert Williams III made an impact with five blocks in 14 minutes. The exhibition offered an encouraging glimpse of Portland’s potential, though its performance was uneven and came against a Warriors squad resting key players.