Damian Lillard is entering his 13th NBA season with a renewed sense of youth, telling NBA insider Chris Haynes he feels "29 all over again" after altering his training routine. The Portland Trail Blazers star's confidence was on display in a 123-118 preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors on October 7, 2026, where he scored 15 points in just 19 minutes. This bounce-back performance comes after Lillard suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon last season, making his apparent recovery and vigor major storylines for the franchise.
In an offseason conversation with Chris Haynes, Lillard was emphatic about his physical state. "I went to his crib over the offseason and checked out some of his workouts, and he was really getting at it, and he told me like he’s going to be back," Haynes revealed. "He said he feels like he’s 29 all over again." This self-assessment points to a significant shift in Lillard's preparation and mindset following a major injury. For a player whose game relies heavily on explosive drives and deep shooting range, regaining that physical prime is essential.
Haynes was impressed with the guard's preseason showing, noting, "He’s in cruise control, the way he’s playing and 15 points a half. That’s impressive." Lillard's efficiency in limited minutes-shooting 5-of-11 from the field-suggests his rhythm is returning quickly. The Blazers' medical and training staff will manage his minutes carefully, but early signs are overwhelmingly positive. Fans can track his progress and the team's overall health on our injuries page.
The team's most recent action was a 123-118 win against the Golden State Warriors. While it's only a preseason contest, the result provides a tangible data point for the new season's preparations. Lillard's 15-point outing was the headline, but the game allowed the coaching staff to evaluate rotations and player combinations. Preseason wins don't count in the standings, but they build chemistry and establish a competitive tone in the locker room.
Executing offensive sets and tightening defensive communication are the real goals in these exhibitions. The final score of 123-118 indicates the Blazers' offense was functioning at a high level, even against a seasoned opponent like Golden State. These games are laboratories for experimentation before the real tests begin.
Portland's immediate focus shifts to their next preseason fixture, a home game against the London Lions on October 12, 2026. This matchup offers another opportunity to integrate Lillard into the flow of the game and for younger players to gain experience. The London Lions, as part of the British Basketball League, present a unique international test and a chance for the Blazers to perform in front of their home crowd at the Moda Center.
Following that, the regular season schedule will quickly come into view. The team's full slate of upcoming games is available on our schedule page. Lillard's proclaimed return to form could be the catalyst Portland needs to make noise in a competitive Western Conference. If he can consistently channel that "29 all over again" energy, the Blazers' ceiling this season rises considerably. The organization and its supporters are eagerly waiting to see if this preseason promise translates into regular-season success.
