Trail Blazers Bring Drama and Thrills to 2026 NBA Playoffs
The Portland Trail Blazers secured the No. 7 seed after a 114-110 Play-In victory over the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix. The win came Tuesday night and sends Portland into a first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs.
How the game unfolded
Phoenix opened hot, making nine of their first 11 shots and building an early eight-point lead. Portland answered with volume shooting and a streak of threes late in the first and early second quarters.
The Suns rallied before halftime, capped by a four-point play in the closing seconds. The teams entered the break with Portland ahead, 65-62.
Portland struggled with turnovers and scored only 18 points in the third quarter. Phoenix managed 20 in that period, keeping the game close.
Dillon Brooks led a Suns comeback in the fourth, pushing Phoenix back ahead by eight with about 3:30 to play. The Blazers then rallied with timely threes and tough defense.
Deni Avdija finished with a late drive and a crucial three-point play. Jerami Grant’s strip on Jordan Goodwin prevented a potential tying opportunity. Those plays sealed Portland’s 114-110 win.
Key performances and numbers
Deni Avdija had a breakout night. He recorded a season-high 41 points on 15-of-22 shooting.
Avdija also added 12 assists and seven rebounds. He committed five turnovers.
Jrue Holiday supplied veteran leadership with 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 38 minutes. Scoot Henderson responded after a rough start, finishing with nine points and defensive plays.
Shaedon Sharpe scored 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes. Jerami Grant hit four threes and totalled 16 points in 19 minutes.
Opponents’ top numbers
- Jalen Green — 35 points on 14-of-29 shooting in 39 minutes.
- Devin Booker — 22 points.
- Dillon Brooks — 20 points, seven rebounds, four steals; he fouled out late.
Tactical takeaways
Phoenix used midrange pull-ups and aggressive passing-lane defense to expose Portland’s defensive tendencies. The Suns often sagged off perimeter shooters and attacked where the Blazers retreated.
Portland countered by leaning on Avdija’s drives and passing out of double teams. His playmaking forced Phoenix to collapse and created open looks.
The Blazers shot 17-of-47 from three, a 36 percent clip. Phoenix went 9-of-25 from deep, also 36 percent.
Bench impact and game management
Kris Murray supplied valuable minutes, finishing plus-10 in 12 minutes. He contributed rebounds, assists, and a block.
Sharpe’s early alley-oop from Avdija energized the crowd. Grant’s late offensive rebounds and defensive hustle proved decisive.
Foul calls were a storyline. Early whistles seemed to hinder Portland’s physical style. The team ultimately adjusted and focused on execution.
Next up
Portland opens the best-of-seven first round against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Game 1 tips at 6:00 p.m. Pacific and will air on NBC.
Filmogaz.com will preview the series and examine matchups in the days ahead. The Trail Blazers brought drama and thrills during the clincher, and they will need more of both in the playoffs.
