Dame Time\’s Blazing Start

October 25, 2022

By: Carlos Alvarez

Portland Trail Blazers Off to 4-0 Start After Comeback Win Over Nuggets (135-110)

One year ago, the Blazers finished 13th in the Western Conference with a 27-55 record and an 11-game losing streak to end the season with Damian Lillard recovering from core muscle surgery. But in 2022? It’s a blazing hot start in Portland and a rejuvenated Lillard. The NBA’s only 4-0 team got their fourth win by roasting the Nuggets with an 80-point second half on Monday night. Lillard (31 points) and Anfernee Simons (29 points) combined for 60. Only one other team (Bucks, 2-0) is still undefeated. Lillard signed a massive contract extension in the offseason to the surprise of many, but it appears to be paying off in Portland.

 

Lights-Out Lillard: Damian Lillard went just 1-for-8 night from the 3-point line with 20 points in the season opener, but he poured in 41 points in back-to-back games before Monday night’s 31-point outing. He’s hit 15 threes while shooting 46 percent from deep (15-for-32) in the last three games, and he’s shooting 50 percent overall on the season.

 

Watch: Blazers Win 4th Straight to Open Season

 

Other NBA Highlights

Harden’s Near Trip-Dub Gives Sixers 1st Win Over Pacers (120-106)

Morant (38) Outshines Irving (37) in Grizzlies’ Win Over Nets (134-124)

Bulls Hand Celtics 1st Loss of the Season (120-102)

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: NBA First-Week Surprises: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Yahoo! Sports: Dame Time: Lillard Showing He’s All the Way Back

 

Photo: Kevork Dejansezian / Getty Images