Arutz ShevaSports08:09

Portland Trail Blazers Dominate Phoenix Suns in Season Opener

By נרי וייס

Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba

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The Portland Trail Blazers, featuring Israeli player Deni Avdija, began their NBA season with a dominant 124-83 win against the Phoenix Suns. Avdija recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds despite an ankle injury. The team's victory included a significant 21-0 scoring run and strong performances from new acquisitions like Damian Lillard. This win, the third largest in franchise history for a season opener, suggests Portland has improved beyond being a "one-man team."

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Deni Avdija recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds in Portland's season-opening win.
Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Phoenix Suns 124-83 in their season opener.
The Trail Blazers achieved a 21-0 scoring run, the largest in the NBA in 25 seasons.
Damian Lillard returned from injury with 25 points, including six three-pointers.
The victory was Portland's third largest in franchise history for a season opener.

Portland Trail Blazers Dominate Phoenix Suns in Season Opener — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Portland Trail Blazers, with Israeli player Deni Avdija, kicked off their NBA season with a decisive 124-83 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Avdija, who was questionable for the game due to a right ankle injury, contributed significantly with 18 points and 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double in the season's opening game. This marks Avdija's seventh NBA season.

The Trail Blazers' win was fueled by a remarkable 21-0 run early in the game, the largest opening scoring run in the NBA over the last 25 seasons. Phoenix struggled to score for over six minutes during this period, and the game was effectively decided from the outset, with Portland's lead reaching as high as 52 points.

Portland's strong performance was bolstered by their recent acquisitions. Damian Lillard, returning from a year-long Achilles tendon injury, shone in his comeback, scoring 25 points, including six three-pointers. This performance marks Lillard's return to the team after three years.

Ja Morant also had a solid game, tallying 14 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, with a team-high plus-33 rating. The team's dominant performance, described as the third-largest opening game win in franchise history, suggests a promising season ahead for Portland, hinting at their potential to contend.

This season marks the third year of the partnership between Avdija and the Trail Blazers, beginning with the 2026-27 NBA season. The team's significant offseason signings indicate they are no longer a one-man team, potentially signaling a new era of success.