The Phoenix Suns (14-13) succumbed to a resilient effort by the Portland Trail Blazers (7-19), losing 109-104 despite Kevin Durant’s impressive 40-point performance on Tuesday night.
Anfernee Simons played a crucial role for Portland, contributing 23 points and seven rebounds, while Jerami Grant added 22 points, and Malcolm Brogdon provided a valuable spark off the bench with 14 points and four assists.
DeAndre Ayton finished the game with a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds against his former team.
Despite Phoenix’s strong start, holding a 22-point lead in the first half, Portland mounted a remarkable comeback, outscoring the Suns 38-20 in the third quarter to take the lead.
Durant’s stellar 40-point performance and Devin Booker’s 26 points and seven assists couldn’t prevent the Suns from losing for the fifth time in their last seven games.
Simons’ late layup with 10.7 seconds left proved pivotal in halting a Phoenix rally and sealing the victory for the Trail Blazers.
