Damian Lillard's Trail Blazers Return Sends An Immediate Message To The NBA

Damian Lillard's return to the Portland Trail Blazers could hardly have gone any better, and ESPN's Ben Golliver made that clear with his evaluation of the veteran guard's long-awaited debut.

After two seasons away from Portland, Lillard returned to the franchise where he became a superstar and immediately gave the team a moment to remember. ESPN's Golliver labeled Lillard's performance "Great," highlighting the emotional impact of his first game back and the statement the Trail Blazers made against the Phoenix Suns, "The Blazers' icon spent Wednesday putting his career back on track after a forgettable two-year detour with the Bucks and an Achilles injury that sidelined him last season. In his first game for Portland since 2023, the nine-time All-Star guard provided such an emotional jolt that the Blazers stormed out to a preposterous 21-0 lead and cruised to a 124-83 blowout of the Phoenix Suns."

The 124-83 victory was an emphatic way to open the season, but the significance of Lillard's return extended well beyond the final score. Portland's early 21-0 run showed just how much energy the franchise icon brought to the floor, giving the team an immediate boost in front of its fans.

Lillard's return also represents an important new chapter in his career. After spending two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, his time away from Portland ended with an Achilles injury that kept him out for the entire 2025-26 season. The road back to the court required patience, making his first appearance in a Trail Blazers uniform since 2023 even more meaningful.

For Portland, having Lillard back provides a familiar face for a franchise looking to build momentum. His connection with the city and the fan base has never really gone away, and Wednesday's performance offered an early reminder of what his presence can mean for the organization.

The Trail Blazers have several reasons to feel optimistic about the season, especially with Lillard back in the picture. His experience, leadership and offensive ability give Portland another important piece as the team looks to compete in a crowded Western Conference.

Of course, one game does not determine how the rest of the season will unfold. Lillard is still working his way back after a significant injury, and maintaining his health will be a major priority moving forward. Still, there could hardly have been a more encouraging start to his second chapter in Portland.

Golliver's "Great" evaluation captured the excitement surrounding Lillard's return. The Trail Blazers did more than win their season opener. They welcomed back one of the most important players in franchise history and delivered a performance that immediately reminded everyone why his return matters.