Trail Blazers Stun Suns in Play-In Thriller

Portland rallies from 11-point 4th quarter deficit to earn No. 7 seed in West

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:06am

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An abstract, expressionist painting using vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes to depict the intense final moments of an NBA basketball game, with players' figures dissolving into the energetic movement of the action.The Trail Blazers' thrilling comeback win over the Suns showcases the intensity and drama of the NBA's new play-in tournament.Oklahoma City Today

The Portland Trail Blazers overcame an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 114-110 in the NBA's play-in tournament. Deni Avdija scored 41 points, including the go-ahead 3-point play with 16 seconds left, to lead the Blazers' comeback. Portland earned the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round, while the Suns will host the Clippers-Warriors winner on Friday for the No. 8 seed.

Why it matters

This thrilling play-in victory keeps the Trail Blazers' playoff hopes alive after a rollercoaster regular season, while the Suns now face an uphill battle to extend their season. The game showcased the intensity and drama of the NBA's play-in format, which has added an extra layer of excitement to the end of the regular season and start of the playoffs.

The details

The Suns led by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, but the Blazers stormed back with a 21-7 run capped by Avdija's clutch 3-point play. Jerami Grant hit a key 3-pointer to give Portland the lead late, and Matisse Thybulle's strip of Jalen Green sealed the win. Avdija finished with 41 points and 12 assists, while Green led the Suns with 35 points.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Portland earned the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
  • The Blazers will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.
  • The Suns will host the winner of the Clippers-Warriors game on Friday for the No. 8 seed.

The players

Deni Avdija

The Trail Blazers' star player who scored 41 points and had 12 assists to lead his team's comeback victory.

Jalen Green

The Suns' leading scorer with 35 points, but his late 3-pointer missed as Phoenix couldn't hold on to their fourth quarter lead.

Jerami Grant

The Blazers forward made a crucial 3-pointer late in the game to give Portland the lead.

Matisse Thybulle

The Blazers guard made the game-sealing steal in the final seconds to preserve the victory.

Devin Booker

The Suns star scored 22 points but couldn't prevent his team's collapse down the stretch.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to dig deep and fight back. This team has so much heart and we weren't going to give up, no matter the deficit.”

— Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers Forward

“It's a tough loss, but we'll regroup and be ready to fight another day. This team has been through a lot and we'll bounce back.”

— Devin Booker, Suns Guard

What’s next

The winner of the Clippers-Warriors game on Friday will face the Suns, with the winner earning the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Blazers will take on the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

The takeaway

This thrilling play-in game showcased the drama and excitement of the NBA's new postseason format, with the Blazers proving they have the resilience and talent to make a deep playoff run despite a rollercoaster regular season. The Suns, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to keep their season alive and have another chance at the playoffs.