Devin Booker came close to a triple-double, scoring 28 points, as the Phoenix Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 103-97 on Saturday night. This victory marked the Suns’ fourth consecutive win, improving their record to 5-1.
Kevin Durant contributed significantly, adding 21 points to the total. The Suns built a substantial lead, stretching it to as many as 26 points during the game.
Portland made a late push, cutting the deficit to 99-97 in the final minute. However, Booker and Tyus Jones each converted two free throws in the closing seconds to secure the win for Phoenix.
Grayson Allen came off the bench to score 18 points, making four three-pointers. Both Jones and Bradley Beal chipped in with 15 points, while Jusuf Nurkic led all players with 15 rebounds.
Phoenix trailed 47-43 at halftime but exploded for 44 points in the third quarter. The Suns took a commanding 22-point lead by the end of the period.
The third quarter saw Phoenix play exceptionally well, committing no turnovers after nine in the first half. Booker and Allen were instrumental in this surge, each contributing 10 points during the period.
Portland struggled offensively, managing only 18 points in the third. Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 20 points each, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Suns.
Simons had a rough start, missing his first six shots before finishing with 20 points on 8-of-25 shooting. Deni Avdija added 13 points, and former Sun Deandre Ayton contributed 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Phoenix’s shooting improved dramatically in the second half. After shooting just 27% from the field in the first half, they hit 61% of their shots in the third quarter, including 50% from three-point range.
Beal returned to action after missing two of the last three games due to a sprained left elbow. He played 34 minutes, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
As for the Trail Blazers, they need to address their inconsistencies if they hope to improve their 2-5 record moving forward.
