The Phoenix Suns host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, seeking revenge after a 124-83 loss in Portland on Oct. 21.
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The Phoenix Suns begin a seven-game homestand Wednesday by hosting the Portland Trail Blazers, aiming to avenge a 124-83 opening-night defeat in Portland on Oct. 21.
Portland has opened the season strong on the road, winning four of its five away games, and the Suns enter the matchup having lost four of five after failing to hold a 17-point lead in a 116-113 loss Monday at Golden State.
In Monday’s game, Phoenix committed seven turnovers in the fourth quarter. The total came before a late sequence in which Jalen Green failed to hit the rim on an intentionally missed free throw with 6.0 seconds remaining, returning the ball to the Warriors.
Phoenix coach Jordan Ott said the Suns need to “put a full 48 together,” adding that the group is newer and that “Taking care of the ball helps.”
In the same Warriors game, Devin Booker scored 26 points and five assists but fouled out on a disputed charging call after running into De’Anthony Melton with 57.6 seconds left and the Warriors leading by five. Booker called it “a flop.”
Earlier in the third quarter, Draymond Green was ejected after tackling Suns centre Khaman Maluach and then grabbing Dillon Brooks’ throat in an altercation under the Suns’ basket. Suns forward Miles Bridges received a technical foul with 7:26 remaining.
Despite Golden State shooting 42.9% and committing to adjustment through the free-throw line, Phoenix’s defensive effort stood out statistically, with the Suns holding their best defensive showing of the season while the Warriors converted 31 free throws and out-rebounded Phoenix 44-37.
The Suns enter Wednesday’s game ranking last in defensive efficiency (124.5 points allowed per 100 possessions) and tied for last in rebound margin. They are also 26th in points allowed at 122.8 points per game.
On the Trail Blazers side, Deni Avdija scored 28 points in Portland’s win at Denver, while Jrue Holiday added 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds off the bench as Portland continues to roll. Ja Morant is listed as unavailable for the last two games with a hamstring injury.
Avdija has averaged 23.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, and the offence has been shaped by the presence of Morant and the return of franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard. Lillard said of Avdija, “I told him, ‘I want you to be the horse,’” adding “Ja said the same thing. You be the horse. You get downhill. You attack. I think that’s good for all of us.”
The Suns also face a possible lineup change: reserve guard Jordan Goodwin left Monday’s game with a right calf injury and is listed as questionable for Wednesday.
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