The Portland Trail Blazers dropped another close one on Monday night, falling 130-125 to the Phoenix Suns in a game that was as entertaining as it was frustrating for Rip City. That’s now six straight losses for the Blazers, who showed flashes of promise but couldn’t close out a hot-shooting Suns squad that caught fire when it mattered most.
Donovan Clingan Sets the Tone Early
If there’s one bright spot Portland fans can hang their hats on, it’s Donovan Clingan’s explosive start. The rookie big man wasted no time making his presence felt, knocking down three triples in the first three minutes and swatting a pair of shots to boot. It was a jolt of energy the Blazers have desperately needed during this rough stretch.
Clingan cooled off as the game wore on, but his early impact was undeniable. He finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds, showing off the kind of two-way versatility that’s rare for a player his size and experience. Even though most of his production came in the opening quarter, his tone-setting performance earns him the unofficial “Player of the Game” nod.
A Tale of Two Arcs
This one turned into a shootout from deep, and while the Blazers came out firing, they couldn’t keep pace once Phoenix found its rhythm. Portland hit 18 of 52 from beyond the arc - a decent volume, but just 35% efficiency. Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara, and Clingan each knocked down three triples, but the team’s overall shooting cooled in crunch time.
Meanwhile, the Suns were surgical. They finished 20 of 41 from deep - a blistering 49% - with Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen doing most of the damage.
Gillespie was especially lethal, going 8-of-14 from downtown on his way to a game-high 30 points. Allen added 6-of-11 from deep, stretching the Blazers’ defense thin all night.
Blazers Start Fast, Fade Late
Portland came out with energy and execution, jumping out to a 41-30 lead after the first quarter. Clingan, Grant, and Camara all hit double figures early, and the Blazers looked like a team ready to snap their skid.
But the Suns didn’t stay down long. They closed the first quarter on a surge, slicing into what had been a 19-point deficit and slowly turning the tide.
By the 8:19 mark of the third quarter, Phoenix had taken a 79-78 lead, and from there, it was a back-and-forth battle. The game turned into a slugfest - both teams trading blows, neither giving much ground. But in the end, the Suns’ shot-making down the stretch proved to be the difference.
Missing Deni
Deni Avdija’s absence continues to loom large. The versatile forward has been sidelined with a back injury, and while his presence is always noticeable when he’s on the floor, it’s becoming just as noticeable when he’s not. Portland’s defense and ball movement have both taken a hit without him, and it’s hard not to wonder if this losing streak might look different with Avdija in the lineup.
Krejcik’s Debut a Mixed Bag
Newcomer Vit Krejcik got some run off the bench, but his first real minutes in a Blazers uniform didn’t exactly follow the script. Blazers broadcaster Michael Holton had a simple wish before the game: “Make your first one and don’t look back!”
Unfortunately, Krejcik missed his first two shots and never quite found a rhythm. He finished with 5 points on 2-of-7 shooting, adding 1 assist and 2 steals in 14 minutes of action.
It wasn’t the breakout performance fans might’ve hoped for, but it’s early. Krejcik showed some activity on defense and didn’t shy away from the moment - qualities that could prove valuable as he gets more comfortable in the rotation.
The Blazers are clearly searching for answers, and while there were encouraging signs - Clingan’s early spark, a strong first quarter, and stretches of competitive play - the bottom line remains: they’ve lost six in a row. In a Western Conference that doesn’t wait for anyone, Portland needs to find a way to turn effort into wins - and fast.