The Phoenix Suns delivered a statement performance on the road, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 127-110 at the Moda Center on Tuesday night, November 18, 2025. Devin Booker, the Suns’ All-Star shooting guard, posted 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals—not his most explosive stat line, but enough to anchor a balanced attack that overwhelmed Portland in the third quarter. The win snapped a brief two-game losing streak for Phoenix and gave them momentum heading into their next home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, November 21.
Third Quarter Collapse Dooms Trail Blazers
It wasn’t a flashy first half. Portland stayed within striking distance, trailing just 64-61 at halftime after an 8-0 run to close the second. But the third quarter? That’s when the game slipped away. The Suns outscored the Blazers 36-21, turning a one-point lead into a 17-point advantage. Collin Gillespie, the 27-year-old bench guard acquired last offseason, exploded for 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-9 from deep. His rhythm set the tone. When Ryan Dunn dunked off a fast-break pass to make it 80-63, the Moda Center fell silent. Fans had hoped for a comeback, but the Blazers’ offense had already gone cold.
Portland’s three-point shooting was a disaster: 10-for-41 (24.4%). That’s not just bad—it’s historically inefficient. For context, the league average for 3-point accuracy this season is 36.2%. The Blazers shot worse than any team in the NBA over the last 15 games. Shaedon Sharpe, their brightest young star, carried the load with 29 points and 3 assists, but even he couldn’t carry a team that missed 31 threes. One fan near the court told reporters, "It’s like they forgot how to shoot. Every time they let one fly, you just brace for the brick."
Booker’s Quiet Efficiency and the Bench That Carried the Load
Booker didn’t need to be the hero. With the game in hand, coach Jordan Ott sat him for the entire fourth quarter—a sign of confidence in his depth. That’s the luxury of having a bench that can score. Gillespie wasn’t alone. Dillon Brooks (who, contrary to a CBS Sports error, does not play for Phoenix) was mistakenly credited with his 1,000th assist. The real contributor? Guard Kevin Huerter, who added 14 points and 7 assists off the pine, and forward Jalen Smith, who grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked three shots. Phoenix’s bench outscored Portland’s 58-32.
And then there’s the mystery of the "7-footer from China." The article mentioned a 16th overall pick who scored nine points, but no name was given. As of November 2025, the only Chinese player in the NBA is Zhou Qi, who plays for the San Antonio Spurs. The Trail Blazers’ 2024 draft pick from China, Wang Ziyi, is still recovering from a knee injury. So who was the 7-footer? The answer remains unclear. Either the report was inaccurate—or the Suns’ front office has quietly acquired someone the public doesn’t know about yet.
Standings Shift and What’s Next
The win improved Phoenix’s record to 9-6, putting them in the top four of the Western Conference and just two games behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division. After their stunning 124-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on November 16—where the Hawks erased a 22-point deficit in the final 10 minutes—this win was a necessary reset. "We were rattled after that one," Booker said postgame. "Tonight, we played with purpose. That’s what winning teams do."
For Portland, the loss marked their third straight defeat and fifth in six games. Their record fell to 6-8, and they now sit 7.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Northwest Division. Their offense has stalled. Their defense has collapsed. And their confidence? Eroding. Coach Chauncey Billups has publicly questioned their "mental toughness," but solutions remain elusive. They’ll host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night—another chance to stop the bleeding.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about wins and losses. The Suns are proving they can win without Booker going off for 40. That’s the mark of a true contender. Meanwhile, Portland’s inability to make threes—despite having shooters like Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, and Scoot Henderson—is a systemic issue. They’re gambling on volume, not efficiency. And in today’s NBA, that’s a losing strategy.
Also telling: the Suns’ depth. Six players scored in double figures. No one carried the team. That’s the blueprint for playoff success. Portland? They’re still waiting for someone to emerge as a true second option behind Sharpe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Devin Booker’s performance compare to his usual output?
Booker’s 19-point night was below his season average of 25.4 points, but it was efficient and smart. He shot 8-of-15 from the field and didn’t force shots, which is rare for him. This was a "game manager" performance—exactly what the Suns needed after their emotional loss to Atlanta. His 3 steals and 5 assists showed he was locking in on both ends.
Why did Portland’s three-point shooting collapse so badly?
Portland’s 10-for-41 from deep (24.4%) was the worst shooting night of their season. They’ve struggled with spacing since Anfernee Simons went down with a hamstring injury in early November. Without him creating space, defenses collapsed on Sharpe and Henderson, forcing contested threes. They’re taking too many early-clock shots and not enough off movement. Their offense has become predictable.
Who is the "7-footer from China" mentioned in the game recap?
No confirmed player matches that description. The only Chinese NBA player currently active is Zhou Qi of the Spurs. The Trail Blazers’ 2024 draft pick, Wang Ziyi, is injured and hasn’t played. It’s likely a reporting error—possibly a mix-up with a G League player or a misidentified international prospect. No 7-footer from China is on the Suns’ roster or active in the NBA as of November 2025.
What does this win mean for Phoenix’s playoff chances?
This win solidifies Phoenix as a legitimate Western Conference contender. At 9-6, they’re tied for 5th in the West. Their bench depth, defensive discipline, and ability to close out games without Booker going nuclear make them dangerous. If they maintain this pace, they’ll likely host a first-round playoff series—and possibly crack the top 3 in the West by April.
Is Jordan Ott’s decision to rest Booker in the fourth quarter risky?
Not at all. It’s a calculated move. Booker has played 30+ minutes in 10 of 15 games this season. With a tough stretch ahead—including games against Denver and Golden State—Ott is managing his minutes. The fact that the bench held a 17-point lead without him proves Phoenix has the depth to win even when their star sits. That’s championship-caliber balance.
What’s the biggest takeaway from this game for NBA analysts?
The biggest takeaway? Depth beats star power when it’s well-coached. Portland has two All-Star-caliber players in Sharpe and Henderson. Phoenix has none on the bench. Yet the Suns won by 17 because their sixth man outplayed Portland’s starter. In today’s NBA, winning isn’t about one guy—it’s about five guys who know their roles. The Suns are learning that. The Blazers still haven’t.