Three games into the 2026-27 NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers are making an increasingly convincing case that they might be one of the most exciting teams in the Western Conference.
With Damian Lillard back in Portland, Ja Morant providing another explosive dimension to their backcourt, and Deni Avdija continuing his remarkable development, the Blazers have opened their campaign with three consecutive victories, their best start since 2022.
Their latest statement came Tuesday night in Los Angeles, where Portland handed the previously undefeated Lakers their first loss of the season with an impressive 136-129 victory.
Despite Luka Dončić erupting for 41 points and nine assists, the Lakers simply couldn’t contain Portland’s balanced offensive attack. Morant and Avdija led the Blazers with 23 points apiece, with Avdija also contributing nine assists. Jrue Holiday delivered 22 points off the bench, while Lillard added 21, including a decisive three-pointer with just 43 seconds remaining.
Portland shot an outstanding 59 percent from the field and connected on 18 of its 36 three-point attempts, ultimately closing the game with a 15-8 run.
The victory was another impressive chapter in what has been a spectacular opening week under new head coach Micah Nori. The Blazers began their season by demolishing the Phoenix Suns 124-83, a stunning 41-point victory in which Lillard scored 25 points and knocked down six three-pointers. Morant contributed 14 points and eight assists, immediately demonstrating the potential of Portland’s revamped backcourt.
Two days later, the Blazers overcame a double-digit deficit to defeat the Sacramento Kings 128-120. Avdija led the way with 26 points, while Lillard and Toumani Camara contributed 19 each. A dominant 44-point third quarter turned the game around.
Through three contests, Portland is averaging an impressive 129.3 points per game, and the team’s offensive depth might be its most intriguing quality.
Lillard’s return after missing the entire previous season with an Achilles injury has provided the franchise with a familiar leader and a proven clutch performer. Morant’s arrival has added elite athleticism, speed and another dangerous shot creator, while Avdija has established himself as a versatile offensive centerpiece.
Behind them, veterans Holiday and Robert Williams III provide valuable experience, while Camara and Donovan Clingan contribute energy, defense and physicality.
Of course, three games are far too small a sample to draw sweeping conclusions. Portland’s defense still has room for improvement, particularly after allowing 129 points against the Lakers, and maintaining its remarkable offensive efficiency will be difficult over an entire season.
But there is something undeniably promising about this group.
After finishing last season 42-40 and exiting the playoffs in the first round, Portland appears to have considerably raised its ceiling without sacrificing the young talent that helped establish its foundation.
The Blazers are not championship favorites simply because they have won three games. But with Lillard’s experience, Morant’s explosiveness, Avdija’s versatility and a surprisingly deep supporting cast, Portland suddenly looks capable of making serious noise in the Western Conference.
