Damian Lillard, Ja Morant combine for 36 points through three quarters

Lillard hits five 3-pointers in return from Achilles injury

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 51m1 min read

Damian Lillard + Ja Morant = BUCKETS 🔥 https://t.co/RhCFGEkz9t Via @ESPNNBA on X

What happened: Damian Lillard recorded 22 points and five assists through three quarters in the 2026-27 regular-season opener, while Ja Morant added 14 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and three steals. The starting guard duo pushed their side to a third-quarter advantage in their regular-season debut together.

Why it matters: The opener marks the first official test for the backcourt pairing after Lillard rehabilitated an Achilles injury ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Morant carried over his perimeter efficiency from an Oct. 17 preseason outing in which he scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting and went 3-for-3 from deep.

By the numbers: Through Q3: Damian Lillard 22 PTS, 5 AST, 5 3PM; Ja Morant 14 PTS, 8 AST, 5 REB, 3 STL (36 combined points, 13 combined assists). Morant preseason tune-up (Oct. 17): 19 PTS, 8-of-10 FG, 3-of-3 3PT.

What to watch: Lillard and Morant look to close out the fourth quarter of the season opener before navigating backcourt rotation minutes across opening week.

Sources

@ESPNNBA 2026-10-22T04:06:21.220315+00:00

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