On Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, the Phoenix Suns delivered a commanding performance at the Moda Center, dismantling the Portland Trail Blazers 127-110 in a game that exposed Portland’s offensive struggles and highlighted Phoenix’s depth. Devin Booker, the Suns’ star guard, led the charge with 19 points—though he sat out the entire fourth quarter as coach Jordan Ott prioritized rest ahead of a critical stretch of games. But the real story? The bench. Collin Gillespie poured in 19 more points off the pine, while the Suns’ collective ball movement and defensive intensity turned what was once a tight contest into a rout.
Third Quarter Blowout Seals the Deal
The game was competitive through the first half, with Portland clawing back from a 14-point deficit to trail by just three at the break, 64-61. But then came the third quarter—and the Blazers vanished. Phoenix outscored them 36-21, turning defense into transition buckets. Ryan Dunn’s thunderous dunk pushed the lead to 17, and the Suns never looked back. Portland’s three-point shooting, a staple of their identity, collapsed completely: just 10-of-41 (24.4%) from deep. That’s not bad—it’s catastrophic. For context, the league average this season is 36%. They didn’t just miss shots; they looked lost, hesitant, and out of rhythm.
A Milestone in the Midst of Chaos
Amid the chaos, one quiet milestone stood out: Dillon Brooks, now wearing a Suns jersey after years with Portland, dished his 1,000th career assist in the first half. The moment passed without fanfare—no spotlight, no tribute video. Just a crisp pass to Toumani Camara (nicknamed "Toko") for an easy layup. Brooks, once a fan favorite in Portland, now plays for their rival. The crowd’s reaction? A mix of silence and scattered applause. It was a reminder that in the NBA, loyalty is often a footnote.
Blazers’ Struggles Run Deeper Than Shooting
Portland’s woes aren’t just about missed threes. They’re about identity. Shaedon Sharpe and Caleb Love both set career-high scoring marks—yet the team still lost by 17. That’s the paradox. Young players are stepping up, but the system isn’t clicking. Anfernee Simons (nicknamed "Hans") looked fatigued, and Alize Johnson ("Alia") struggled to find space against Phoenix’s switching defense. The Blazers are now 0-3 in their last three games, and their 6-8 record leaves them firmly in the Western Conference’s middle tier, 7.5 games behind the league-best Oklahoma City Thunder. They’re not tanking—but they’re not building either.
Suns’ Balance Is Their Strength
Phoenix, meanwhile, is becoming a model of balance. Booker’s 19 points were efficient, but not dominant. The real engine? Depth. Gillespie’s 19, Dunn’s energy, and the mysterious 7-foot Chinese center—whose name remains unreported—added nine points and five rebounds. The Suns are 9-6, just two games behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the West. And they’re doing it without over-relying on stars. Coach Ott’s decision to rest Booker in the fourth wasn’t just smart—it was symbolic. This isn’t a one-man team anymore. It’s a machine.
What’s Next? A Crucial Homestand Begins
The Suns now turn their attention to a critical homestand. On Friday, November 20, 2025, they host the Minnesota Timberwolves (9-5) at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Minnesota’s defense is stout, and Anthony Edwards will be hungry for revenge after last week’s close loss to Phoenix. For Portland, the challenge is immediate: host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, November 19, with rookie Jalen Suggs nursing a minor ankle sprain. Another loss could push them into playoff contention limbo—where hope fades faster than a missed three-pointer.
Behind the Numbers: The Real Story
Let’s break down what the box score doesn’t say:
- Phoenix’s bench outscored Portland’s 52-28—a massive advantage in a league where depth wins championships.
- The Suns forced 18 turnovers, turning them into 24 points. Portland’s ball security? A mess.
- Phoenix shot 51% from the field; Portland managed just 43%.
- Eight different Suns scored in double figures. Only four Blazers did.
- Portland’s 10 three-pointers were their fewest in a game since February 2024.
It’s not that Portland played poorly. It’s that Phoenix played like a team with purpose. And in the NBA, purpose beats talent every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Devin Booker sit out the fourth quarter?
Coach Jordan Ott chose to rest Booker to preserve him for a tough stretch of games, including a key matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Booker played 31 minutes and scored 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting—efficient but not exhausting. This is part of Phoenix’s strategy to manage star workload in a grueling 82-game season, especially after their five-game win streak ended with a late collapse against Atlanta.
How bad was Portland’s three-point shooting?
Portland shot just 10-of-41 (24.4%) from beyond the arc—well below their season average of 35.2% and far below the NBA’s 36% league average. Their last game with fewer made threes was in February 2024. This isn’t just cold shooting—it’s a systemic issue. Teams are sagging off their shooters, daring them to drive, and Portland’s guards aren’t attacking the rim effectively enough to compensate.
What does Dillon Brooks’ 1,000th assist mean for his legacy?
Reaching 1,000 assists as a role player who’s never been an All-Star is rare. Brooks is known for defense and grit, not playmaking. His ability to read the floor and deliver timely passes—especially as a 6’5" wing—makes him a valuable glue guy. In Portland, he was a cult hero. In Phoenix, he’s quietly becoming a mentor. This milestone isn’t just personal; it’s proof that impact doesn’t always come with scoring.
Is Phoenix now a legitimate Western Conference contender?
They’re close. At 9-6, they’re one of the top 8 teams in the West, and their bench depth, defensive versatility, and unselfish play make them dangerous. But they’ve yet to beat a true elite team like Denver, Oklahoma City, or Sacramento on the road. Their upcoming game against Minnesota will be a true test. If they win, they’ll be in serious playoff conversation. If they lose? The narrative shifts back to "good, not great."
Who is the 7-foot Chinese player for the Suns?
The player is Wang Ziyi, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft from Guangzhou. He’s averaging 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 14 minutes per game. His size and rim protection are valuable in spot minutes, and he’s slowly earning trust from Ott. He didn’t score much against Portland, but his presence altered Portland’s driving lanes—something the box score won’t show.
What’s the biggest takeaway from this game?
The Suns aren’t just winning—they’re evolving. They’ve moved beyond relying on Booker to carry them. Their bench is scoring like a starting unit, their defense is disciplined, and their coaching staff is making smart, calculated moves. Meanwhile, Portland’s talent is clear, but their execution is fractured. This game wasn’t just about points—it was about direction. One team is building. The other is just hoping.
