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Ja Morant had a successful debut with the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, helping the team blow out the Phoenix Suns, 124-83, at Moda Center.
Contrary to what was expected, Morant started alongside Damian Lillard in the backcourt. They were joined by Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan. Morant finished with 14 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in 23 minutes. He shot 6-of-8 from the field, including 2-of-3 from long distance.
Morant showed that he could coexist with Lillard, proving naysayers wrong—at least for now—including Charles Barkley, who expressed his apprehension before the Trail Blazers took on the Suns.
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“I think this was probably the worst place for him to go because I don’t think he and Dame can play together. They both need the ball, and they’re both small. They wouldn’t be able to guard anybody. You put them little dudes out there against the top guards in the NBA, and they’re two little leprechauns,” said Barkley on “Inside the NBA.”
Charles Barkley on Ja Morant on the Blazers:
"I think this was probably the worst place for him to go because I don't think him and Dame can play together. They both need the ball and they both small. They wouldn't be able to guard anybody. You put them little dudes out there… pic.twitter.com/dnASQA9a95
— Oh No He Didn't 🤯 (@ohnohedidnt24) October 21, 2026
Morant and Lillard outplayed Devin Booker and Jalen Green. They set the tone early, as the Trail Blazers massacred the Suns in the first quarter, 43-12. It was a cakewalk from there.
Many felt that Portland would bring Morant off the bench, with Lillard and Jrue Holiday in the backcourt. While it remains a possibility, especially since the sample size is still small, Morant should remain in the first unit for the foreseeable future.
It was hard to really gauge the effectiveness of the tandem of Morant and Lillard since it was a lopsided affair, but so far, they passed the eye test.
In the meantime, Barkley may want to start writing an apology.
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