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London Lions given lesson by Portland in historic game for British basketball

The London Lions became the first British club to face an NBA team but suffered a heavy 119-66 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon on Monday.

Published: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 9:35 PM
London Lions given lesson by Portland in historic game for British basketball
Key Things to Know
  • The London Lions became the first British club to face an NBA team, losing 119-66 to Portland.
  • Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson led the Trail Blazers with 14 points each in the blowout victory.
  • Maxwell Lewis top-scored for the Lions with 13 points, five rebounds, and four steals.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The London Lions made history as the first British club to play an NBA team, suffering a 119-66 preseason loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Monday. Portland dominated the contest throughout, leading by as many as 57 points behind 14 points each from Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson. Maxwell Lewis led London with 13 points.

The exhibition was played under NBA regulations during a nearly 10,000-mile round trip for the Lions amid their domestic and EuroCup schedules. Head coach Tautvydas Sabonis returned to the city where his father Arvydas played, as London sought to test themselves against elite opposition despite the lopsided final score.

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