Suns Overcome Blazers 127-110, Bounce Back from Recent Struggles
The Phoenix Suns secured a decisive 127-110 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, November 18, at Moda Center, demonstrating resilience after a recent collapse and solidifying their position in the Western Conference. This win, witnessed by a crowd of 17,051, comes after the Suns squandered a 22-point lead in a November 16th loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Suns Control Fourth Quarter, Avoid Repeat of Atlanta Game
Unlike their previous setback, the Suns maintained control in Portland, leading by as many as 25 points in the fourth quarter. This dominant performance showcased a renewed focus on closing out games, a critical area for improvement following the Atlanta defeat. Devin Booker and Collin Gillespie each contributed 19 points, leading a balanced Phoenix attack that saw six players score in double figures.
Despite the loss, Shaedon Sharpe delivered a standout performance for the Trail Blazers, scoring a game-high 29 points. However, the majority of his scoring came in the first half, as he managed only nine points after the intermission. The Blazers now face a three-game losing streak, having previously fallen to Houston (140-116) and Dallas in overtime (138-133) to conclude a five-game road trip.
Upcoming Schedule for Both Teams
The Suns (9-6) will return home for a three-game homestand, beginning Friday, November 21, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They will then face the San Antonio Spurs on November 23 and the Houston Rockets on November 24, marking Kevin Durant’s first game in Phoenix since being traded to the team. The Trail Blazers (6-8) will look to rebound as they continue their schedule.
Injury Updates Impact Suns Lineup
The Suns were without key guard Grayson Allen, sidelined for a second consecutive game with a right quad contusion, and Jalen Green, who remains out with a right hamstring strain. The team announced last week that Green will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks after re-injuring the hamstring during a November 8th win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Both Allen and Green accompanied the team to Portland.
Dunn Earns Continued Starting Role
With Allen’s absence, Ryan Dunn made his second straight start. Suns coach Jordan Ott explained the decision, stating that Dunn’s ball-handling abilities are valuable, particularly when Devin Booker is off the court, and that Dunn’s defensive capabilities are well-suited for challenging matchups. “How the team and our rotations are when (Devin Booker) comes off the floor, having a primary ball handler in the game, but also at the same time, Ryan has the ability to handle and initiate the offense,” Ott said pregame.
The Suns started with a lineup of Booker, Dillon Brooks, Dunn, Royce O’Neale, and Mark Williams, while the Blazers countered with Deni Avdija, Sharpe, Kris Murray, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan. Notably, Camara was originally drafted by the Suns but was part of a complex trade that also involved Deandre Ayton going to Portland and Damian Lillard landing in Milwaukee.
Suns Adjust Roster with Two-Way Signings
In recent roster moves, the Suns waived two-way player CJ Huntley on November 17 and signed guard Jamaree Bouyea to a two-way deal on November 18. Bouyea joins Isaiah Livers and rookie Koby Brea as the Suns’ three two-way players. Bouyea has prior NBA experience with the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks, totaling 53 points across 19 career games.
The team is currently navigating a shortage at the guard position due to the injuries to Allen and Green. Allen initially sustained his injury during a win against the Indiana Pacers last week and sat out the second half of that contest. Green, in his first season with the Suns, has only appeared in two games, scoring 29 points in his debut on November 6 against the Clippers before re-injuring his hamstring.
First Half Recap: Suns Lead, Rookie Sees Action
The Suns held a narrow 64-61 lead at halftime, having led by as many as 11 points in the second quarter before a late 8-0 run by the Blazers. Devin Booker led the Suns with 13 first-half points, while Mark Williams added 11. Shaedon Sharpe paced all scorers with 20 points on efficient 9-of-16 shooting. Caleb Love, a former Arizona college player, contributed 13 points off the bench for Portland. Both teams struggled with three-point shooting, with Phoenix going 6-of-19 and Portland shooting 6-of-23 from beyond the arc. Rookie Rasheer Fleming also saw playing time in the first half, scoring four points in six minutes.
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