Portland Trail Blazers: The greatest Opening Day games in franchise history (Pt. 1)

No. 6: Damian Lillard

Date: October 18th, 2018 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Statistics: 28 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 9-of-21 from the field, 8-of-8 from the free throw line

The NBA’s scheduling had set the stage before the game had begun: NBA on TNT. The Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James’ first game donning the purple-and-gold.

It probably didn’t seem likely at the time, but the last laugh of the night would belong to Blazers superstar Damian Lillard.

It was a customary game from Lillard, but he filled his 28 with highlights, most notably using quick hesitations to pause defenders before attacking the basket with his often-overlooked speed.

He played a pivotal role in a late-game push that put the Portland Trail Blazers on top for good. Here are some highlights from that game.

In other circles, this game might be known as the “Nik Stasukas Game.” He held down the fort, setting the table for others and anchoring the second unit when Lillard needed rest.

Regardless, it again showcased the importance of getting a year off to a hot start. On Day One of the Blazers’ season, they stepped up to a team that many projected would be a challenge to them in Western Conference standings, and rode that wave to one of the hottest starts of the Lillard-Stotts era.

Lillard has had hundreds better games. But this stands as one of his best season-opening performances.