Suns Crush Trail Blazers 127-110 Behind Bench Surge, Extend West Standings Edge
The Phoenix Suns didn’t just beat the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night—they outclassed them. A 127-110 win at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. With Devin Booker sitting out the final quarter and Collin Gillespie dropping 19 points off the bench, the Suns turned a tight game into a blowout, pulling away with a 36-21 third quarter that left the Blazers gasping. The win improved Phoenix’s record to 9-6 (3-4 away), snapping their brief slump after a heartbreaking 124-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks just two nights prior. For Portland, it was their third straight defeat and fifth in six games, dropping them to 6-8 overall.
Third Quarter Collapse Dooms Trail Blazers
At halftime, the game was still in doubt. Portland had clawed back from an early deficit to trail just 64-61 after an 8-0 run, and fans at Moda Center dared to hope. But then came the third quarter—and the collapse. The Suns opened the frame with a 19-2 run, highlighted by Ryan Dunn’s thunderous dunk off an assist from R. O’Neale that made it 73-61. By the 5:30 mark, Devin Booker found M. Williams for an alley-oop layup that pushed the lead to 14, and the game was effectively over. Portland shot just 4 of 17 from the field in the period, including 0 for 7 from three. The Suns, meanwhile, hit 14 of 28 shots, including 4 of 9 from deep. The 15-point swing in the quarter was the difference.
Bench Firepower and Defensive Discipline
While Booker’s 19 points were steady, the real story was the depth. Collin Gillespie, a 27-year-old guard signed on a minimum deal last offseason, played 29 minutes and delivered 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists—shooting 7 of 11 from the field and 3 of 5 from three. His energy sparked the Suns’ second unit, which outscored Portland’s reserves 47-28. Meanwhile, Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott made a calculated move: he rested Booker for the entire fourth quarter, a sign of confidence in his rotation and a nod to managing minutes ahead of Friday’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Defensively, the Suns were sharp. They forced 19 turnovers, turning them into 27 points. Portland’s poor shooting—just 10 of 41 from beyond the arc (24.4%)—wasn’t just bad luck; it was pressure. The Suns’ perimeter defenders, led by Dillon Brooks, stayed attached to shooters, and when Portland did get open looks, they missed. The Blazers’ 24.4% three-point shooting was their worst of the season, and it came against a team that had allowed 37.8% from deep entering the night.
Trail Blazers’ Injury Woes Deepen
Portland’s problems extend beyond shooting. They were without Jrue Holiday for the second straight game due to calf soreness, and Jerami Grant was sidelined with an illness. Their injury list reads like a laundry list of setbacks: Matisse Thybulle (left thumb ligament tear), Kris Murray (right foot fracture), and Keon Cooke (G League assignment). Without Holiday’s playmaking and Grant’s scoring, Portland’s offense looked disjointed. Shaedon Sharpe led them with 29 points, but he was often isolated, forcing tough shots. The 8-0 run to close the half? That was the last gasp of a team running out of answers.
Leadership and Milestones on the Court
Amid the chaos, quiet milestones were reached. Dillon Brooks, who finished with 12 points and four assists, recorded his 1,000th career assist in the first half—a milestone few fans noticed but teammates celebrated. It’s a quiet testament to his evolution from enforcer to facilitator. Meanwhile, the Suns’ ball movement was crisp: 29 assists on 47 made field goals. They didn’t rely on isolation; they trusted the system. Even their bench players moved the ball like starters.
Phoenix’s shooting efficiency was the difference: 48.0% from the field, 35.0% from three, and 86.4% from the line. Portland, despite better paint scoring (58-58), couldn’t match the Suns’ rhythm. The Blazers’ 16 second-chance points came from offensive rebounds, but Phoenix’s 18 offensive boards kept possessions alive and drained Portland’s energy.
What This Means for the Western Conference
The win pushes the Phoenix Suns into fourth place in the Western Conference at 9-6, just behind the Minnesota Timberwolves (9-5) and ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers (6-8). In the Pacific Division, Phoenix sits second behind the Los Angeles Lakers (11-4), but they’re now the only team in the division with a winning record on the road. For Portland, the road trip from hell—1-4 over their last five—has exposed their lack of depth. Without Holiday and Grant, they’re a one-man show with Shaedon Sharpe, and that’s not sustainable in a playoff race.
What’s Next?
The Suns host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, November 21, 2025—a crucial matchup between two top-four Western teams. The Blazers, meanwhile, welcome the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in a game they must win to avoid a six-game losing streak. With their rotation thinning and confidence waning, Portland’s window to make a push is closing fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Suns’ bench contribute to the win?
The Suns’ bench outscored Portland’s reserves 47-28, led by Collin Gillespie’s 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting. His three-point shooting and defensive energy sparked a 19-2 third-quarter run that broke the game open. Phoenix’s second unit played 29 minutes with a +24 point differential, proving their depth is among the league’s best.
Why did Portland’s three-point shooting fail so badly?
Portland shot just 10 of 41 (24.4%) from deep, their worst of the season. The Suns’ defensive pressure forced contested shots, and without Jrue Holiday’s playmaking, Portland’s shooters were isolated. They missed open looks and forced tough ones, a pattern that’s cost them in three straight losses.
What’s the significance of Dillon Brooks’ 1,000th assist?
Dillon Brooks reached 1,000 career assists during the first half, a milestone that reflects his growth from a defensive specialist to a reliable playmaker. He’s now one of only 15 players in NBA history with 1,000+ assists and 1,500+ steals, showing his versatility. His assist came on a pass to a cutting teammate, emblematic of Phoenix’s team-first style.
How did injuries impact Portland’s performance?
Missing Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant left Portland without its two best perimeter defenders and most reliable scorers. Without Holiday’s ball-handling, the offense stagnated. Grant’s absence meant no secondary scoring threat, forcing Shaedon Sharpe into isolation plays. The Blazers’ bench, already thin, had no answers.
What does this win mean for Phoenix’s playoff hopes?
The win lifts Phoenix to 9-6, solidifying their position in the top four of the Western Conference. With a 3-4 road record, they’ve shown they can win away from home—key for playoff seeding. Their depth, ball movement, and defensive discipline make them a dangerous postseason contender, especially if they maintain this level against teams like Minnesota and Denver.
What’s the historical context of this game for the Trail Blazers?
Portland’s 6-8 record is their worst through 14 games since the 2018-19 season, when they missed the playoffs after a 24-26 start. This loss marks their third straight defeat and fifth in six games—a collapse that mirrors their 2020-21 playoff fade. Without key players and with no clear identity, the team risks falling out of playoff contention before the All-Star break.
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