Damian Lillard shines in return to Blazers during rout of Suns

Damian Lillard returned to the Portland Trail Blazers after nearly 18 months and helped crush the Phoenix Suns 124-83 in both teams’ season opener on Wednesday. Lillard hit six 3-pointers and scored 25 points in 24 minutes, adding six assists. Portland opened with 21 straight points and built a 31-point lead after one quarter, eventually reaching as much as a 52-point advantage. Deni Avdija had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Toumani Camara also scored 18. Ja Morant made his Blazers debut with 14 points and eight assists after being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 23 points.