Portland Trail Blazers rout Phoenix Suns 124-83 in season opener

The Phoenix Suns opened their regular season with a difficult 124-83 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Devin Booker finished the night as Phoenix's leading scorer with 23 points, but the visiting team struggled to find a rhythm from the opening tip.

The game began with a disastrous start for the Suns, as the Trail Blazers surged ahead with a 21-0 run in the opening minutes. Phoenix failed to score its first points until Booker sank free throws with under six minutes remaining in the first quarter, during a stretch where the visitors missed their first ten field goal attempts.

Portland maintained control throughout the contest, building a 72-39 halftime advantage and leading by as many as 52 points at one stage. The lopsided affair allowed the Trail Blazers to coast through the second half, handing Phoenix a heavy defeat in their first official matchup of the campaign.

Before entering the regular season, the Suns wrapped up their preseason schedule with a 119-116 loss to the Utah Jazz. In that exhibition finale, Booker contributed 16 points and six assists across 26 minutes, converting six of his 16 field goal attempts while distributing the ball effectively as a facilitator.

For Portland, the night was highlighted by strong performances across the roster, including a stellar return for Damian Lillard. Alongside the backcourt action, the Trail Blazers quickly set the tone defensively and offensively, leaving Booker and his teammates searching for answers on the road.

The Suns will look to regroup following this tough opening-night setback as they navigate the early weeks of the regular season and work to incorporate their roster pieces under head coach Mike Budenholzer.