Suns rout Blazers 127-110 as Booker and Gillespie spark comeback win
Nov, 21 2025
The Phoenix Suns bounced back from a devastating collapse with a commanding 127-110 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, November 18, 2025, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. After surrendering a 22-point lead to the Atlanta Hawks just two nights prior, the Suns showed they hadn’t lost their edge. Devin Booker, the team’s star shooting guard, led the charge with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. But the real surprise? Collin Gillespie, off the bench, matching Booker’s output with 19 points of his own—6 of 11 from the field, 4 of 9 from deep—and adding 6 assists. The Blazers? They had no answer.
A second-half avalanche
Portland hung tough through the first half, trailing by just three points at the break after an 8-0 run to close out the second quarter. But then came the third. The Suns didn’t just pull away—they detonated. A Ryan Dunn dunk pushed Phoenix ahead 80-63, and from there, the lead ballooned to 25 points. Coach Jordan Ott didn’t even need to play Booker in the final quarter. The game was already in the bag. The Blazers, meanwhile, looked lost. They shot a dismal 10 of 41 from three-point range (24.4%), continuing a troubling trend that’s now defining their season.
Blazers’ perimeter woes deepen
It’s not just one bad night. The Portland Trail Blazers have now lost three straight and five of their last six. Their offensive identity—built on spacing and perimeter shooting—has evaporated. Against the Suns, they settled for contested threes, missed open looks, and struggled to generate rhythm. Even Shaedon Sharpe, their brightest young talent, couldn’t carry them. He dropped 29 points, but it wasn’t enough. The rest of the team combined for just 81, shooting 36% from the field. The team’s reliance on isolation plays and low-percentage shots has become a liability. As one analyst put it: "They’re not just missing threes—they’re afraid to drive. And when you do that against a team like Phoenix, you’re asking to be exposed."
Bench depth wins the night
The Suns didn’t win because Booker carried them. They won because their bench outscored Portland’s reserves 48-29. Gillespie was the spark, but he wasn’t alone. Dillon Brooks, who’s spent most of his career with Portland, now plays for Phoenix—and he recorded his 1,000th career assist in the first half. That’s a quiet milestone, but a telling one: Brooks, once a Blazer icon, is now a key piece in Phoenix’s puzzle. The team’s depth, often overlooked, is becoming their greatest strength. With 11 players scoring, and seven of them hitting double figures, Phoenix showed they’re no longer a one-man show.
What’s next? A test of resilience
The Phoenix Suns (9-6) now turn their attention to a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. They’ll need to maintain this defensive intensity, especially against Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers (6-8) host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Moda Center. They need answers—fast. Their coach, Chauncey Billups, has been vocal about the team’s lack of offensive discipline. But words won’t fix a 24.4% three-point shooting night.
The mystery of the 7-footer from China
One of the more curious details from the game? A 7-foot center from China, the 16th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, played 18 minutes and scored nine points. His name wasn’t mentioned in any official box score or recap. No team has publicly confirmed his identity. Is he a rookie? A call-up? A surprise rotation addition? The silence is odd. In an age where every draft pick is tracked obsessively, this mystery lingers. Maybe it’s a typo. Maybe it’s a new acquisition no one’s talking about yet. Either way, it’s a footnote that feels like a clue.
What the numbers really say
- Phoenix’s bench outscored Portland’s: 48-29
- Portland shot 10-41 (24.4%) from three-point range
- Devin Booker: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL
- Collin Gillespie: 19 PTS, 6 AST, 4-9 from deep
- Shaedon Sharpe: 29 PTS, 3 AST for Portland
- Phoenix improved to 9-6; Portland fell to 6-8
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Trail Blazers struggle so much from three-point range?
The Blazers’ three-point struggles stem from poor shot selection and defensive pressure from Phoenix’s perimeter defenders. They took too many contested, off-the-dribble threes instead of moving the ball for open looks. Their 24.4% shooting (10-41) was their worst performance of the season, and it’s part of a larger trend: they’ve shot below 30% from deep in four of their last five games. Without consistent perimeter shooting, their offense stalls.
How important was Collin Gillespie’s performance off the bench?
Gillespie’s 19 points and 6 assists were critical. He’s not a starter, but his ability to space the floor and make smart passes gave Phoenix’s offense breathing room. His 4-9 shooting from three was the most efficient performance by a Suns reserve this season. With Chris Paul sidelined, Gillespie has stepped into a leadership role on the second unit—and his play has been the difference in two of Phoenix’s last three wins.
What does this win mean for the Suns’ playoff chances?
With a 9-6 record, Phoenix is firmly in the Western Conference playoff race, sitting in the top six. This win proved they can recover from emotional losses—like the 22-point collapse against Atlanta—and still dominate. Their depth, defensive versatility, and Booker’s consistency make them a dangerous 4-6 seed. If they maintain this level of play, they could challenge for a top-3 seed by season’s end.
Who is the mystery 7-footer from China?
As of now, no official source has confirmed the identity of the 7-foot center from China who scored nine points. He was listed as a 16th overall pick in the 2025 draft, but no player matching that description has been publicly announced by any team. It’s possible he’s a new international signee, a practice squad player elevated for the game, or even a data entry error. The NBA’s official stats portal doesn’t list him, making this one of the season’s oddest unresolved mysteries.
Why is Dillon Brooks playing for the Suns now?
Brooks, who spent eight seasons with the Trail Blazers, was traded to Phoenix in July 2025 as part of a salary dump deal that brought veteran depth to the Suns’ roster. He’s transitioned from a starter in Portland to a high-effort sixth man in Phoenix, where his defense and veteran IQ are valued more than his scoring. His 1,000th career assist—a milestone reached in this game—shows he’s more than just a scorer. He’s a playmaker, and Phoenix needed that.
What’s the biggest concern for the Trail Blazers moving forward?
Their offensive identity is crumbling. With Damian Lillard gone and CJ McCollum traded, they lack a true floor general. Sharpe is talented but inconsistent. Their offense relies too heavily on isolation plays and low-percentage threes. Until they develop a reliable pick-and-roll system or find a secondary playmaker, they’ll keep losing games they should win. Coaching adjustments haven’t helped yet—and time is running out.