Full coverage· Sports· Updated 22 Oct, 13:37

Deni Avdija Shines on Defense in Season Opener Blowout

The Portland Trail Blazers opened their 2026, 27 NBA season with a 124, 83 win over the Phoenix Suns. Deni Avdija had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the one-sided victory, while Damian Lillard and Ja Morant also made strong contributions.

7 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 22 Oct, 05:16

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Deni Avdija Shines on Defense in Season Opener Blowout — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Phoenix Suns 124, 83 in their 2026, 27 season opener.
02Deni Avdija finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and several reports added 4 assists for Portland.
03Damian Lillard scored 25 points with six three-pointers in his return from injury.
04Ja Morant added 14 points, and Haaretz said he also had 8 assists.
05Portland opened with a 21, 0 run and led 43, 12 after the first quarter.
06Haaretz said the lead reached 50 points in the fourth quarter.
07Devin Booker scored 23 points for the Phoenix Suns.
08Ynetnews said Portland’s next game is a road contest against Sacramento.

Portland took control immediately, opening with a 21, 0 run and building a 43, 12 lead after the first quarter. Haaretz said the margin grew to as much as 50 points in the fourth quarter, and the team’s largest season-opening win in franchise history was also noted.

Lillard scored 25 points, including six three-pointers, in his return from injury. Morant added 14 points, and Haaretz said he also had 8 assists. Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points.

The next game mentioned was Portland’s road meeting with Sacramento. Several reports also highlighted Avdija’s defensive work and said his performance came despite recent ankle concerns.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 7 newsrooms. Updated 22 Oct, 13:58