Jalen Green delivered a strong offensive performance Tuesday night, but the Phoenix Suns fell 114-110 to the Portland Trail Blazers in a Western Conference play-in matchup in Phoenix. The loss ended Phoenix’s push for an immediate playoff berth.
Green finished with 35 points on 14-of-29 shooting, adding key scoring stretches in a tightly contested game that featured multiple momentum swings.
When asked about his offensive rhythm, Green pointed directly to his ability to attack downhill and operate in mid-range areas.
On a late-game possession, Green also reflected on a missed opportunity following a pass from Devin Booker, noting, “Yeah, it was a good look. Maybe could have dragged it out a little bit, waste a little bit more of the clock, but trying to go for the win.”
The Suns held a 10-point advantage in the third quarter, but Portland’s pace and perimeter shooting shifted the game late. Green emphasized execution as the deciding factor in the closing stretch.
“We was up 10 with five minutes left, so we got to close the game,” he said, pointing to the late defensive breakdowns and transition control issues.
Portland outpaced Phoenix with 17 made three-pointers, while the Suns converted just 9 triples on 25 attempts. Green addressed the perimeter gap and defensive rotations.
“They shot it well tonight. That was the best they shot all year. We was rotating pretty well,” he said.
Defensively, Phoenix struggled to contain Deni Avdija, who finished with 41 points and 12 assists, repeatedly forcing rotations that opened perimeter looks.
Green also referenced officiating consistency late in the game, saying, “Calling that same foul. They got to call that both ways if they gonna call it for one person all night.”
Despite the frustration, the Suns guard emphasized urgency and focus ahead of their next opportunity to extend their postseason run.
“I believe everybody’s upset. It’s a game we should have won. But we know it’s important to shake that off next game mentality,” Green said.
Phoenix now shifts attention to recovery and preparation, with uncertainty about its next opponent but a clear focus on physical readiness.
“I have no clue. I will be getting my body right though for sure,” Green said when asked about preparation for the next game.
The Suns’ late-game offensive slowdown was another focal point in the loss, as Portland tightened defensive pressure and controlled tempo in half-court possessions.
Green pointed to the team’s best stretch as a blueprint moving forward, highlighting defensive activity and transition play.
“Stops, rebounds, getting steals, he was active,” he said, referencing the third-quarter run that briefly put Phoenix in control.
As the Suns regroup for Friday’s elimination matchup, Green emphasized urgency and correction rather than extended reflection.
“It’s a game we should have won… shake that off next game mentality,” he said, underscoring the immediate focus shift required in the play-in format.
