Suns Outlast Trail Blazers in NBA Play-In Thriller

Dillon Brooks' scoring outburst not enough as Devin Booker leads Phoenix to victory

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:14pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the players, ball, and court. The image conveys the intensity and drama of the playoff-caliber matchup.The Suns' balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the Trail Blazers' one-man show in this high-stakes NBA Play-In clash.Phoenix Today

In a high-stakes NBA Play-In Tournament matchup, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-108 behind a dominant performance from star guard Devin Booker. Despite a scoring outburst from Dillon Brooks, the Suns were able to hold off the Trail Blazers and advance to the first round of the playoffs.

Why it matters

This victory keeps the Suns' playoff hopes alive after a tumultuous season that saw them trade away superstar Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, the loss ends the Trail Blazers' season and raises questions about the team's future direction.

The details

Devin Booker poured in 32 points to lead the Suns, while Dillon Brooks scored a game-high 25 points for the Trail Blazers. Phoenix was also buoyed by strong contributions from Jalen Green, who scored 18 points, and Chris Paul, who dished out 11 assists. The Suns' defense was able to limit the impact of Portland's other key players, including Damian Lillard, who was held to just 16 points.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • It was part of the NBA's Play-In Tournament, which determines the final playoff spots.

The players

Devin Booker

The Suns' star guard and franchise cornerstone, who led his team to victory with a 32-point performance.

Dillon Brooks

The Trail Blazers' high-scoring wing, who poured in a game-high 25 points but couldn't will his team to victory.

Jalen Green

The Suns' young guard, who contributed 18 points to the winning effort.

Chris Paul

The veteran Suns point guard, who dished out 11 assists to help orchestrate the offense.

Damian Lillard

The Trail Blazers' star point guard, who was held to just 16 points in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Dillon was going to come out firing, but our guys did a great job of containing him and making it tough for the rest of their team to get going.”

— Monty Williams, Suns Head Coach

“It's tough to end the season this way, but I'm proud of the fight our team showed. We just couldn't quite get over the hump against a really good Suns team.”

— Damian Lillard

What’s next

The Suns will now advance to face the top-seeded team in the Western Conference playoffs, while the Trail Blazers' offseason begins with questions about the team's future direction.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Suns' depth and resilience, as they were able to withstand a scoring onslaught from the Trail Blazers' Dillon Brooks and advance in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the loss raises concerns about the Trail Blazers' ability to build a championship contender around Damian Lillard.