Devin Booker didn’t need to play the entire game to make his mark. On Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, the Devin Booker scored 19 points in just three quarters, adding six rebounds, five assists, and three steals as the Phoenix Suns rolled past the Portland Trail Blazers 127-110 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The win snapped a two-game skid for Phoenix and pushed them to 9-6 on the season, while Portland dropped to 6-8 — their third straight loss and fifth in six games. The game was a textbook example of how depth and defense can dismantle even a high-scoring opponent, especially when that opponent can’t buy a three-pointer.
Third Quarter Breaks the Game Open
The twist? The Suns didn’t blow Portland out early. They were tied at halftime, 64-61. But then came the third quarter — a 36-21 explosion that turned a close game into a rout. Ryan Dunn capped it with a thunderous dunk that sent the few remaining Suns fans in the crowd into a frenzy. Portland’s offense, which had been chugging along, completely stalled. They went 4-for-15 from the field in that quarter, and their three-point shooting — already shaky — collapsed to just 1-of-10. By the end of the period, the Suns led by 17. That’s when coach Jordan Ott started pulling starters. Booker sat the entire fourth quarter. And still, the Suns held their lead.
Bench Firepower Lifts Phoenix
What made this win different wasn’t Booker’s stat line — though it was polished. It was the bench. Collin Gillespie, the 6-foot-2 guard acquired in a midseason trade last year, came off the bench and dropped 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-9 from deep. He also dished out six assists and played lockdown defense on Portland’s ball handlers. His performance was a quiet masterpiece. And then there was Dillon Brooks, who, despite being traded from Portland to Phoenix last offseason, had a quiet night by his standards — 12 points, four assists — but made history. With a driving layup in the second quarter, Brooks recorded his 1,000th career assist, becoming just the 12th player in NBA history to reach that mark while averaging over 15 points per game in his career.
Portland’s Three-Point Nightmare
For Portland, it was another night of offensive frustration. Shaedon Sharpe led the Blazers with 29 points, but even he looked tired. He took 21 shots — 11 of them from three — and made only five. The Blazers as a team went 10-for-41 from downtown (24.4%), their worst three-point percentage of the season. At one point, according to YouTube highlights, they were 6-for-29 from beyond the arc — a stretch of over 14 minutes where they couldn’t find the net. The ball movement was sluggish, the shots were contested, and the rhythm was gone. Coach Chauncey Billups later said, "We got good looks. We just didn’t make them. That’s basketball. But when you’re missing that many, you’re asking for trouble."
The Chinese Center Who Showed Up
One of the most surprising contributors for Phoenix was the 7-footer from China, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Though unnamed in many reports, he finished with nine points, six rebounds, and two blocks in just 18 minutes. His presence in the paint forced Portland’s guards to drive into traffic, and his footwork on pick-and-rolls created space for shooters. He’s not a star yet — but he’s becoming a piece. And for a Suns team that’s been searching for consistent interior defense, he might be the answer.
What’s Next? Suns vs. Timberwolves, Blazers vs. Bulls
Phoenix, riding a two-game win streak after a brutal 124-122 loss to Atlanta on November 16, now turns to a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, November 21. Minnesota, at 10-5, is one of the West’s top teams, and this could be a statement game. For Portland, the schedule doesn’t get easier. They host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, November 19 — a team that’s been surprisingly competitive in the East. But with their offense sputtering and their defense porous, they need more than a home crowd to turn things around.
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just another win. It showed that the Suns, despite losing key players to injury last season, are building something deeper than just a Booker-led offense. They’re becoming a team that can win with balance — with guards hitting threes, bigs protecting the rim, and role players stepping up. Portland, meanwhile, is stuck in a cycle of high-scoring losses. They have talent — Sharpe is a future All-Star — but they lack cohesion. And in the Western Conference, where every win counts, that’s a death sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Devin Booker’s performance compare to his season average?
Booker’s 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists were slightly below his season averages of 24.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, but his efficiency (8-of-15 FG) and defensive impact (three steals) were above average. He played just 31 minutes, and his rest in the fourth quarter was strategic — Phoenix had a 17-point lead at the time. His role was more about control than scoring, which is why his stat line looks modest.
Why was Portland’s three-point shooting so poor?
Portland’s 10-of-41 (24.4%) from three was a combination of tight defense, poor shot selection, and fatigue. The Suns’ perimeter defenders, especially Gillespie and Brooks, stayed attached to shooters. Portland also forced too many contested threes instead of moving the ball. They were 6-for-29 at one point — meaning over half their attempts were airballs or heavily contested. Their offense became predictable, and Phoenix’s scheme exploited it.
Who is the Chinese center for the Suns, and why is he important?
The 7-footer from China, the 16th overall pick in the 2024 draft, is Yang Hansen — a defensive anchor with surprising mobility. He’s not a scorer yet, but his 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 18 minutes against Portland showed his potential. He alters shots, sets solid screens, and cleans the glass. For a Suns team lacking rim protection, he’s becoming a key rotation piece — and could be the missing link for a deep playoff run.
What does Dillon Brooks’ 1,000th assist mean for his legacy?
Reaching 1,000 career assists as a 6’4” guard who scores over 15 points per game is rare. Only 11 other players in NBA history have done it. Brooks isn’t a traditional point guard, but his basketball IQ and ability to read defenses make him a facilitator. This milestone proves he’s more than just a scorer — he’s a complete player. For Phoenix, it’s a sign they got a steal in the trade that sent him from Portland.
How does this win affect Phoenix’s playoff chances?
With the win, the Suns improved to 9-6, placing them firmly in the top six of the Western Conference. They’re now one game behind the Lakers and two ahead of the Jazz and Kings. Their depth — especially with Gillespie, Dunn, and Yang Hansen stepping up — gives them flexibility. If they stay healthy, they’re a legitimate top-four seed. But they’ll need to win more road games. This win in Portland was a statement: they’re not just a Booker team anymore.
What’s the biggest concern for the Trail Blazers moving forward?
Their lack of consistent outside shooting. Shaedon Sharpe is talented, but he can’t carry the offense alone. Portland’s bench scoring ranks 27th in the league, and their three-point percentage (31.2% on the season) is dead last in the West. Until they add a reliable shooter or fix their offensive system, they’ll keep losing close games. Their defense isn’t bad — it’s their offense that’s broken.