Lillard returns as Portland reserves hold off Warriors in 123-118 win

Damian Lillard scored 15 points in his return to game action, Deni Avdija added 23, and Portland held off a late burst of Golden State threes for a 123-118 preseason win Wednesday at Moda Center.

Lillard made three of eight attempts from beyond the arc in 19 minutes after missing last season while recovering from an Achilles injury. Ja Morant supplied eight points and five assists in his first preseason appearance with the Blazers. The two guards had their moments, but Portland's reserve group did much of the work that separated the teams in the fourth quarter.

Portland's reserves create room

The game was tied 86-86 entering the fourth. Golden State moved ahead early in the period before Portland answered through its bench. Branden Carlson converted an offensive rebound, Yang Hansen made two free throws, and Chris Youngblood hit a three. Jeremy Sochan then made two threes and a dunk as the Blazers built breathing room.

Sochan finished with 10 points in nine minutes. Micah Potter contributed 13 points and six rebounds, including a three with 1:17 left that put Portland ahead 118-106. Hansen had six points and four assists. Robert Williams III added eight points, five rebounds and five blocks in 14 minutes, giving Portland a defensive presence well before the closing stretch.

The cushion nearly disappeared. Will Richard, Dalen Terry and Alex Toohey combined for four Golden State threes in the final 68 seconds. Terry's last one cut the deficit to five with 6.1 seconds remaining. Youngblood missed two free throws, but John Tonje stole Terry's pass on the Warriors' final possession to end the comeback attempt.

Kelly and Terry make the most of minutes

Miles Kelly led all scorers with 24 points, making six of 11 threes and adding seven rebounds and six assists. Terry finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and four steals while playing nearly 43 minutes. Brandon Williams scored 17, Richard had 15, Charles Bassey added 13 and Graham Ike scored 10.

Those opportunities came with Golden State using only nine players. Warriors Wire's Mack Baltes reported before the game that Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and seven teammates would not travel for the second night of a back-to-back. The Warriors had beaten the Lakers at home Tuesday; Wednesday's rotation gave the players competing for minutes an extended test.

Nori sees work behind the win

Portland coach Micah Nori praised Williams, Potter and Sochan afterward, but his assessment centered on the possessions Portland gave away. He pointed to 22 turnovers and Golden State's 12 offensive rebounds, saying the Blazers needed to protect the ball and finish defensive possessions better.

Nori also described Morant as rusty and sped up, while approving of his willingness to attack the paint. For Portland, the opener delivered Lillard's return and a win, along with specific problems to address as its new backcourt gets more time together.