{
  "id": 13103239,
  "title": "Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard Pushes Back on Skeptics About His Backcourt Partnership With Ja Morant",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/portland-trail-blazers-damian-lillard-pushes-back-on-skeptics-about",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T11:32:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/portland-trail-blazers-damian-lillard-113220980.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Portland Trail Blazers guards Damian Lillard and Ja Morant displayed promising chemistry during a 123-118 preseason win against the Golden State Warriors. The duo contributed 23 points and six assists combined, shooting 8-for-19 from the field in 19 minutes of action. Lillard affirmed his ability to play alongside another undersized backcourt player, drawing parallels to his partnership with CJ McCollum. Despite initial skepticism, Lillard highlighted their dynamic skills and the Blazers' deep roster, which includes key players like Jrue Holiday, Dame Lillard, and Deni Avdija. Blazers head coach Micah Nori emphasized Morant's positive attitude and the team's focus on him being his best self without undue pressure. Nori also noted that Morant is being treated as a leader among equals, with no preconceived expectations.",
  "summary": "Damian Lillard and Ja Morant showed a glimpse of what they could look like during the Portland Trail Blazers‘ 123-118 preseason win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, despite doubts about their budding backcourt partnership. Lillard and Morant combined for 23 points and six assists on 8-for-19 shooting in 19 minutes. During his postgame [...]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Damian Lillard Returns to Portland, Begins New Era With Ja Morant",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/damian-lillard-returns-to-portland-begins-new-era-with-ja-morant",
        "published": "2026-10-08T19:31:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}