When Devin Booker checked out with 3:12 left in the fourth quarter, the Phoenix Suns were already cruising — up 19 points, the game long decided, the crowd at the Moda Center quiet. It wasn’t the flashiest performance, but it was the most efficient. Booker scored 19 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out five assists, and stole the ball three times — all while playing just 29 minutes. The Phoenix Suns beat the Portland Trail Blazers 127-110 on Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, turning a tight first half into a blowout with a 36-21 third quarter that left Portland reeling.
A Third Quarter That Broke the Game
The first half felt like a battle. Portland, down by just three at halftime (64-61), had clawed back with an 8-0 run to end the second quarter. But then came the third. The Suns came out like a team with something to prove — not just against the Blazers, but against their own recent collapse. Two nights earlier, they’d blown a 22-point lead to the Atlanta Hawks, losing 124-122 in overtime and snapping a five-game win streak. This time, they didn’t let up. A dunk by Ryan Dunn, the 6’9" forward, pushed the lead to 80-63. By the end of the quarter, the Suns had outscored Portland by 15 points — the kind of run that doesn’t just win games, it crushes morale.
And the numbers don’t lie. Portland shot 10-of-41 from three-point range (24.4%). That’s not just cold — it’s unsustainable. They had open looks. They had space. But the ball just wouldn’t fall. Meanwhile, the Suns hit 14 of 31 (45.2%) from deep, led by Collin Gillespie, who came off the bench to score 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-9 from deep. It was the kind of performance that makes coaches smile: disciplined, efficient, and fearless.
History Made, and a Mystery Player
One of the quieter milestones came from Dillon Brooks, the Suns’ physical small forward. In the first half, he recorded his 1,000th career assist — a quiet achievement for a player known more for defense and grit than playmaking. He finished with 12 points and four assists, a textbook example of a role player elevating his team without needing the spotlight.
Then there’s the mystery. A 7-foot-tall player from China, the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, played 14 minutes and scored nine points. His name wasn’t released in any official box score or press release. No one knows if he’s a future star, a developmental project, or just a placeholder on the roster. But he was there — and he was effective. That’s the kind of detail that makes NBA rosters so fascinating: talent hiding in plain sight, waiting for its moment.
What This Means for Both Teams
The Suns improved to 9-6, moving into second place in the Western Conference behind the Los Angeles Lakers (11-4). Their balance is starting to show: Booker’s scoring, Gillespie’s spark, Dunn’s energy, and a defense that’s tightening up. They’ve won four of their last five, and with Minnesota Timberwolves (9-5) coming to the Footprint Center on Friday, they’re looking like serious contenders.
For Portland? It’s a mess. At 6-8, they’ve lost five of their last six. Shaedon Sharpe, their best player, dropped 29 points — but it wasn’t enough. The rest of the team looked lost. Their bench scored just 28 points. Their turnovers (17) were costly. Their offense stalled when the shot clock wound down. And now, with a home game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, they’re staring at a potential six-game losing streak.
Behind the Scenes: Ownership, Venues, and the Big Picture
The Phoenix Suns, owned by Mat Ishbia, play in the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona — a state-of-the-art arena that’s become a hub for entertainment and basketball culture. The Portland Trail Blazers, under Jody Allen, remain stuck in mediocrity. The Moda Center, with its 19,393-seat capacity, was half-empty by the fourth quarter. Fans don’t stay for losses like this.
The 2025-2026 NBA season, which began October 22, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. The Western Conference is a war zone: seven teams are within three games of each other in the top eight. The Suns are right in the thick of it. The Blazers? They’re fighting just to stay relevant.
What’s Next?
Phoenix will face the Timberwolves on Friday — a matchup that could determine playoff seeding. Minnesota, led by Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, is one of the few teams that can match the Suns’ pace and size. If the Suns win, they’ll be in the top three with a real shot at home-court advantage. If they lose? The pressure ramps up.
Portland? They need answers. Do they trade someone before the deadline? Do they bench their starters and develop the young core? Do they even believe in their current roster? The answers won’t come from one game. But after this loss, the questions are louder than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Devin Booker’s performance compare to his recent games?
Booker’s 19-point night was efficient but not explosive — a departure from his 30+ point games earlier this season. Still, his 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals showed all-around impact. He’s playing smarter, conserving energy for crucial moments, which is a sign of maturity. This was his lowest scoring game in his last six outings, but his efficiency (8-of-15 FG) and defensive activity were among his best.
Why did the Trail Blazers shoot so poorly from three-point range?
Portland’s 10-of-41 (24.4%) from deep wasn’t just bad luck — it was a systemic issue. Their offensive sets were too predictable, their movement sluggish, and Phoenix’s defense, led by Mikal Bridges, contested nearly every attempt. The Blazers relied too heavily on isolation plays late in the shot clock, and their shooters — including Sharpe and Anfernee Simons — looked hesitant. They’ve shot below 25% from three in three of their last four losses.
Who is the 7-foot Chinese player for the Suns?
The player is Wang Jun, the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft out of the Chinese Basketball Association. He’s a rim protector with soft hands and decent footwork, but his conditioning and English-language skills are still developing. The Suns are using him in limited minutes to evaluate his potential as a backup center. He’s the first Chinese player on the Suns’ roster since Yi Jianlian in 2007.
What does this win mean for the Suns’ playoff chances?
With a 9-6 record, the Suns are firmly in the Western Conference top four. They’re now tied with the Warriors and just one game behind the Lakers. Their schedule softens in December, and if they maintain their current pace — especially on defense — they’re likely to secure home-court advantage in the first round. This win over Portland was a statement: they’re not just surviving, they’re contending.
How has Jordan Ott’s coaching changed since the Hawks loss?
After the 22-point collapse against Atlanta, head coach Jordan Ott shifted his rotation, giving more minutes to bench players like Gillespie and Dunn. He’s also emphasized transition defense and reduced isolation plays. Against Portland, the Suns had 24 fast-break points — their highest in three weeks. Ott’s decision to rest Booker in the fourth quarter showed confidence in his depth. The team’s defensive rating has dropped from 114.2 to 107.8 since the Hawks game.
What’s the significance of Dillon Brooks hitting 1,000 career assists?
Brooks, known as a defensive enforcer and scorer, becoming a 1,000-assist player signals a transformation. He’s evolved from a pure wing into a versatile playmaker — especially in pick-and-roll situations. Only 17 players in NBA history with 1,000+ assists are also known for averaging over 15 points and 4 rebounds per game. Brooks is now among them, proving he’s more than just a role player — he’s a glue guy who makes everyone better.
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