Collin Gillespie’s career-high lifts short-handed Suns past Trail Blazers as Portland’s skid deepens

Suns rally in Portland despite missing two top scorers

The Phoenix Suns overcame a slow start and a double-digit first-quarter deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 130-125 on Tuesday night in Portland, improving to 31-20 on the season. Phoenix played without leading scorer Devin Booker, sidelined by a right ankle sprain, and also did not have Jalen Green available.

The win came in a game defined by perimeter shot-making and a pace that kept both teams above 120 points. Portland, which fell to 23-28, absorbed its sixth consecutive loss despite establishing early control and generating consistent scoring chances throughout the night.

Gillespie’s shooting surge changes the game’s structure

Guard Collin Gillespie delivered the defining performance, scoring a career-high 30 points while also producing 10 assists and three steals. He matched a career best with eight made 3-pointers, repeatedly punishing defensive coverages that conceded space above the arc. Phoenix’s ability to create and convert clean looks from deep ultimately narrowed the margin for error Portland had built early.

Gillespie’s production was supported by efficient scoring from Grayson Allen, who finished with 24 points on 11-of-14 shooting, and interior finishing from center Mark Williams, who posted 24 points and 12 rebounds. Jordan Goodwin added 16 points and 10 rebounds, giving Phoenix another source of transition pressure and second-chance possessions.

Portland’s early lead fades as three-point volume rises

The Trail Blazers opened with a sharp offensive rhythm and pushed the lead as high as 19 in the first quarter. Portland’s early burst featured quick decision-making and made shots from distance, but Phoenix gradually reduced the gap before halftime and carried that momentum into the second half.

By the final horn, the difference was measured largely in the efficiency and timing of made 3-pointers. Phoenix finished 20-of-41 from beyond the arc, while Portland went 17-of-50, a high-volume total that did not translate into enough points when Phoenix’s shooting peaked after intermission.

Key performers and what the result signals

For Portland, Jerami Grant led the scoring with 23 points. Shaedon Sharpe scored 19, and rookie center Donovan Clingan recorded 14 points and 15 rebounds, anchoring stretches of the game with rim presence and defensive rebounding.

• Phoenix won despite missing Booker and Green, leaning on guard creation and high-efficiency shooting.
• Portland’s six-game losing streak continued even with a strong opening quarter and multiple double-figure contributors.
• The game underscored how quickly shot distribution can tilt outcomes when both teams attempt 40-plus 3-pointers.

Final score: Suns 130, Trail Blazers 125.

Phoenix is scheduled to host the Golden State Warriors next. Portland’s upcoming slate includes a home game Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies as it looks to halt a slide that has tightened the Western Conference race around the play-in positions.