The Phoenix Suns didn’t just beat the Portland Trail Blazers — they outclassed them. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, the Suns rolled to a 127-110 victory, snapping their own two-game skid and extending Portland’s misery to three straight losses. Devin Booker, the 28-year-old shooting guard, led the charge with 19 points, but it was the team’s relentless third-quarter surge — a 36-21 explosion — that turned a tight game into a blowout. Even more telling? The Blazers shot a dismal 10 of 41 from three-point range (24.4%), a performance that left their coach shaking his head and fans quietly heading for the exits.
A Team Rebounds After Heartbreak
Just two nights earlier, the Suns had suffered one of the most painful losses of the season: a 124-122 collapse against the Atlanta Hawks, blowing a 22-point lead in the final quarter and ending a five-game winning streak. That game left a sour taste. But on Tuesday, Phoenix responded with poise. Coach Jordan Ott, the 37-year-old leader of the Suns, didn’t panic. He adjusted. He trusted his depth. And it paid off.Off the bench, Collin Gillespie, the 25-year-old Villanova product, matched Booker’s 19 points — a quiet but critical contribution. The Suns’ bench outscored Portland’s 48-23, a stat that tells you everything about the imbalance in this game. When the starters rested in the fourth quarter, the reserves didn’t blink. They held the lead and even extended it slightly, finishing with a 27-28 edge in the final frame.
Portland’s Shooting Woes Were Catastrophic
The Trail Blazers entered the game averaging 121.5 points per game — more than the Suns allowed (114.4). They were 5-4 when scoring above that mark. But Tuesday night, they looked lost. Their offense, usually fluid and fast, turned into a series of contested, rushed threes. Dillon Brooks, the 29-year-old Canadian guard who now plays for the Suns, actually reached a personal milestone in the first half — his 1,000th career assist — but he wasn’t even playing for Portland. That’s how disjointed things were for the home team.Portland’s offense sputtered. They shot just 45.3% from the field overall, below their season average. Their three-point shooting was worse than a coin flip. And when you’re missing nearly 76% of your attempts from deep, you’re not just losing — you’re being dismantled. The Suns, meanwhile, shot 47.4%, matching Portland’s defensive average — and that’s the kind of efficiency that wins games in the NBA.
Betting Trends and Public Sentiment
Oddly enough, the Blazers were 2.5-point favorites before tip-off, and 77% of bettors took the Over on the 237.5-point total. But the game ended at 237 — exactly on the number. The public was wrong on the spread, too: 59% of the money was on the Suns, and they covered the 2.5-point line easily. The Trail Blazers, who had failed to cover the spread in their last five games, were once again the victims of their own inconsistency.For Phoenix, this win was more than just a bounce-back. It was a statement. After being underdogs in seven games this season — winning only two — they’re proving they can win when no one expects them to. And with their record now at 9-6, they’re climbing back into the Western Conference conversation.
What’s Next? A Crucial Stretch Ahead
The Suns’ next game is Friday, November 21, 2025, at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves — a team that’s been surging with Anthony Edwards playing at an MVP level. Portland, meanwhile, hosts the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, November 19, at Moda Center, trying to avoid a sixth loss in seven games. For Portland, the clock is ticking. Their playoff hopes are fading fast.The twist? The Blazers have been favored in three of their last five games — and lost them all. Meanwhile, the Suns, despite being labeled underdogs more than any other team in the West, are quietly building momentum. This wasn’t just a win. It was a turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Devin Booker’s performance compare to his recent games?
Booker’s 19 points were solid but not explosive by his standards — he’s averaged 24.6 points over his last 10 games. But this was a controlled, efficient night: 7-of-14 shooting, no turnovers, and crucial late-game poise. He didn’t need to carry the load because the bench stepped up, which is exactly what Coach Ott wanted to see.
Why did the Trail Blazers struggle so badly from three-point range?
Portland’s offense relies heavily on spacing and catch-and-shoot opportunities, but Phoenix’s defense disrupted their rhythm with aggressive closeouts and smart rotations. The Blazers took too many contested threes early in the shot clock — 17 of their 41 attempts came with defenders within 2 feet. That’s a recipe for disaster against a team that ranks top-10 in defensive efficiency.
What does this win mean for the Suns’ playoff chances?
With a 9-6 record, Phoenix is now tied for 5th in the Western Conference. They’ve won four of their last five games, and their net rating (+6.1) has improved dramatically since mid-November. If they maintain this pace, they’re a lock for the playoffs — and could even challenge for a top-4 seed if they beat Minnesota and Denver in their next two home games.
Is Collin Gillespie becoming a key piece for the Suns?
Absolutely. Gillespie, acquired in a mid-season trade last year, has quietly become Phoenix’s most reliable bench playmaker. His 19 points against Portland were his second-highest scoring game of the season, and he added 6 assists. His ability to run the offense without the ball — and hit open threes — makes him invaluable, especially when Booker rests. He’s averaging 12.4 points off the bench this season.
Why is Portland’s three-point shooting so inconsistent?
Portland’s core — Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson — are young and explosive, but they’re still learning when to shoot and when to pass. Their three-point percentage has dropped from 37.2% in October to 32.1% in November. The lack of a true floor general has hurt their rhythm. Without a veteran to steady them, they’re prone to long droughts — like the 12-minute stretch in the third quarter where they scored just 3 points.
How did the game impact betting lines for future matchups?
Oddsmakers have shifted the Suns from underdogs to slight favorites in their next two games. The Timberwolves matchup is now a 1.5-point line in Phoenix’s favor. Meanwhile, Portland’s next game against the Bulls is now a 3.5-point underdog spot — a dramatic drop from their previous favoritism. Bookmakers now see the Suns as a team on the rise and the Blazers as a team in freefall.
