The 41-point victory marked Lillard’s first game back in action for Portland. He addressed a packed arena before tipoff, saying, “We’re excited for what’s to come for our team.”

Deni Avdija also stood out, recording a double-double after an All-Star season last year. Ja Morant, another prominent addition to the roster, was among the players drawing attention from fans.

The home opener followed Portland’s return to the playoffs last season for the first time in five years. Kevin Ngo, a Portland fan at Wednesday’s game, said Lillard’s leadership could help the team build on that progress. He described the guard as someone who brings a calming presence and motivates teammates to play hard.

The excitement around the team has been tempered for some fans by questions about the franchise’s future and the debate over public funding for Moda Center renovations. Tom Dundon, the team’s new owner, was at the game. Cindy Naughton, who drove three hours from Pendleton, criticized what she sees as a lack of investment in the organization.

Ngo said a championship could shift the conversation, adding that few fans would care about the other disputes if Dundon brought a title to Portland.