Full coverage· Sports· Updated 09:03

Avdija Stars as Trail Blazers Dominate Suns in Season Opener

The Portland Trail Blazers opened their 2026-27 NBA season on Wednesday with a dominant 124-83 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Portland established control early, launching an opening 21-0 scoring run in the first six minutes and ending the first quarter with a 43-12 lead, marking the best opening quarter in franchise history.

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Avdija Stars as Trail Blazers Dominate Suns in Season Opener — Illustration by baba

What happened

01The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Phoenix Suns 124-83 in their 2026-27 NBA season opener.
02Israeli player Deni Avdija recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.
03Portland established an early 21-0 run and ended the first quarter with a franchise-record 43-12 lead.
04Damian Lillard led Portland with 25 points, including six three-pointers, in his return from an Achilles injury.
05New acquisition Ja Morant contributed 14 points and eight assists to Portland's victory.
06Devin Booker was the leading scorer for the Phoenix Suns with 23 points in the lopsided loss.
07Portland's next game is an away match on Friday night against Emanuel Sharp and the Sacramento Kings.

Israeli player Deni Avdija, who had been a doubt for the game due to a minor injury, played 23 minutes and recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Avdija also contributed four assists and two steals. Damian Lillard led Portland with 25 points, including six three-pointers, in his return from an Achilles tendon injury, while new acquisition Ja Morant added 14 points and eight assists. Scott Henderson scored 15 points off the bench.

For the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker was the leading scorer with 23 points. Portland's lead reached as high as 50 points in the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers will next play an away game on Friday night against the Sacramento Kings, which will feature a matchup between Avdija and fellow Israeli Emanuel Sharp.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 4 newsrooms. Updated 09:31