Devin Booker Shines as Suns Hold Off Trail Blazers to Extend Losing Streak

Devin Booker poured in 28 points to lead the Phoenix Suns past the Portland Trail Blazers 116-109 on Sunday night, marking a sixth straight loss for Portland.

With a balanced offensive effort and timely contributions from role players, Phoenix continues to find its rhythm despite missing key pieces.

Kevin Durant added 20 points, while Tyus Jones delivered a solid performance with 19 points. Royce O’Neale, stepping into the starting lineup for the injured Bradley Beal, chipped in 13 points, and Jusuf Nurkic anchored the interior with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Portland showed resilience despite their struggles, led by Anfernee Simons, who scored 20 points. Jerami Grant and Deni Avdija each added 17, keeping the game competitive until the final moments. Rookie Donovan Clingan stepped into the starting lineup with Deandre Ayton sidelined due to illness, contributing 10 points and nine rebounds.

Takeaways
Phoenix’s offensive versatility was on full display, with the team knocking down 15 3-pointers. Booker and Grayson Allen each hit four from beyond the arc, building on the team’s 22-made-threes outing in their previous win against Utah. The Suns’ depth also played a crucial role, as coach Mike Budenholzer utilized 12 players, with 11 finding the scoring column.

For Portland, Robert Williams III returned to action following a concussion. The center made an immediate impact, going 4-for-4 from the field for eight points, though he was kept on limited minutes as part of his return plan.

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Key Moment
The Suns appeared in danger after the Trail Blazers opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run, taking their first lead at 62-57. However, Booker took over, scoring 12 points in the quarter to help Phoenix reclaim the advantage. A flurry of scoring and key defensive stops allowed the Suns to stay ahead for the remainder of the game.

Key Stat
Phoenix’s record when Durant plays speaks volumes about his impact. The Suns improved to 13-2 with Durant in the lineup this season, while they’ve struggled to a 1-9 record without him.

What’s Missing for Portland?
The Trail Blazers continue to battle adversity with injuries and roster adjustments, highlighted by Ayton’s absence in this matchup. Portland struggled to maintain offensive consistency, shooting just 9-for-30 from 3-point range, a weakness that has haunted them during this losing streak.

Up Next
Phoenix (14-11) will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup as they host Indiana on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Portland will face a daunting task on the road against Denver, hoping to snap their losing streak and regain their footing in the Western Conference.

This game underscored the Suns’ depth and resilience, even as injuries persist. For Portland, finding a way to stop the bleeding will be critical as the team navigates a tough stretch in the schedule.