Deni Avdija delivered a career-defining performance Tuesday night, scoring 41 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers past the Phoenix Suns 114-110 in a Western Conference play-in game in Phoenix.
The victory sends Portland into the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, where it will face the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 on Sunday.
Avdija controlled the game from the opening tip, finishing 15-of-22 from the field while adding 12 assists and seven rebounds in an efficient, high-usage outing.
Portland leaned into its offensive rhythm early, spacing the floor and attacking downhill, which forced Phoenix into rotations that opened clean looks throughout the night.
Jrue Holiday added 21 points and four assists, while Shaedon Sharpe contributed 12 points off the bench, including key baskets during a fourth-quarter surge.
The Blazers shot 45 percent from the field and knocked down 17 three-pointers, a volume that created separation in a game decided by four points.
Phoenix countered with balanced scoring, led by Jalen Green’s 35 points on 14-of-29 shooting, but struggled to match Portland’s perimeter output.
Devin Booker finished with 22 points and Dillon Brooks added 20, yet the Suns went just 9-of-25 from beyond the arc, limiting their ability to keep pace late.
The game tightened in the final minutes as Phoenix attacked the paint and drew fouls, finishing 23-of-32 from the free-throw line.
However, Portland’s composure in half-court sets proved decisive, as Avdija repeatedly created advantages through pick-and-roll actions and timely drives.
Donovan Clingan anchored the interior despite scoring just two points, grabbing 11 rebounds and altering shots with three blocks to protect the rim.
The Suns had opportunities in the closing possessions but committed key turnovers, finishing with 13 overall, which disrupted their late-game execution.
Portland, which entered the play-in tournament as the No. 8 seed, has now won six of its last eight games and continues its late-season push into the postseason.
Phoenix, the No. 7 seed, will get another chance to qualify for the playoffs and will host the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors matchup on Friday.
