Devin Booker Leads Suns to 127-110 Win Over Trail Blazers at Moda Center

The Phoenix Suns didn’t just win — they announced themselves as a force on the road, crushing the Portland Trail Blazers 127-110 at the Moda Center on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t close, and it was exactly what Phoenix needed after a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks just four nights prior. Devin Booker, the Suns’ maestro at the guard spot, dropped 31 points — not just hitting his season average of 28.4, but exceeding it with surgical precision. He didn’t just score; he controlled the tempo, especially after Portland’s early surge. The win improved Phoenix’s record to 9-6 overall and 3-4 on the road, while Portland fell to 6-8, slipping further from playoff contention.

A Second-Half Explosion That Broke the Game Open

Here’s the thing: Portland looked dangerous early. They hit their first five three-pointers, rode a 33-point first quarter, and even had the crowd roaring with that signature Moda Center energy. But then, with 1:28 left in the third quarter, everything changed. The Suns went on a 12-0 run — a sequence that didn’t just shift momentum, it shattered Portland’s rhythm. By the time the fourth quarter began, Phoenix had turned a 2-point deficit into a 10-point lead. The Blazers never recovered. Grayson Allen was out for Portland, and without his perimeter defense and playmaking, their offensive flow stalled. Meanwhile, Phoenix’s bench, led by Dillon Brooks (22 points), poured in timely buckets and kept the pressure on.

Shooting Disparity Decided the Game

The box score tells a story of inefficiency versus execution. The Suns shot 48% from the field (47-of-97), but their real advantage came from the arc. They buried 14 three-pointers on 40 attempts — a 35% clip that looked pedestrian until you compared it to Portland’s 10-of-41 (24%). That’s a 11-point swing just from long range. And then there were the free throws: Phoenix went 19-of-22 (86%), while the Blazers managed only 16-of-20 (80%). Those extra points weren’t just noise — they were the difference between a nail-biter and a blowout. The Suns also outrebounded Portland 45-43, with critical offensive boards in the second half keeping possessions alive. But the real shocker? Phoenix turned the ball over 19 times. Yet they still won by 17. That’s how dominant their scoring was.

Portland’s Struggles Beyond the Scoreboard

For all their effort, the Trail Blazers looked disjointed. Shaedon Sharpe, the explosive young wing, had flashes — but he was 3-of-11 from the field. Scoot Henderson (mistakenly called "Hansen" in some transcripts) played 31 minutes but finished with just 8 points and 5 assists. And while Robert Williams went a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, his impact was limited by foul trouble and a lack of support. Portland’s defense? Nonexistent in the second half. They allowed 71 points after halftime — the same number they scored in the first half. The team’s 7 turnovers were impressive, sure, but they came against 19 Phoenix miscues. That’s not a sign of discipline — it’s a sign of Phoenix’s offensive pressure breaking Portland’s structure.

What This Means for Both Teams

For the Suns, this win isn’t just a bounce-back — it’s a statement. They’re now 3-4 on the road, a significant improvement from their 2-4 start away from home. With Devin Booker hitting his stride and the bench contributing, Phoenix looks like a team that can challenge for a top-four seed in the West. Their next five games include matchups against the Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets — all winnable if they keep this energy.

For Portland, the alarm bells are ringing. At 6-8, they’re hovering just above the play-in threshold. Their offense is too reliant on isolation plays, and their defense lacks cohesion. Without Grayson Allen, they’re missing a crucial glue guy. And with Jrue Holiday still finding his rhythm after the trade, the Blazers are stuck in neutral. They need to figure out how to close out quarters — or they’ll be watching the playoffs from home.

Behind the Numbers: The Real Story

Statistically, this game had a few oddities. The Suns had 27 blocks — an absurd number for a team that doesn’t rely on rim protection. That’s not just defense; it’s active, aggressive switching. Meanwhile, Portland’s 12 blocks were mostly from Robert Williams and Donovan Clingan, who combined for 10. But blocks don’t win games — consistent scoring does. And Phoenix had it. The 237 total points? Way above the over/under of 117.5 set by sportsbooks. That’s not just a fluke — it’s a sign the Suns’ offense is clicking at the right time.