Trail Blazers’ defense, Clingan and Grant overwhelm short-handed Suns in 92-77 Phoenix victory

Low-scoring game turns on rim protection, turnovers and missing star power

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Phoenix Suns 92-77 on Sunday night, February 22, 2026, in Phoenix, in a game defined more by defense and attrition than shot-making. Portland improved to 28-30, while Phoenix fell to 33-25 after posting its lowest point total of the season.

Portland’s Donovan Clingan delivered one of the most complete performances of the night, finishing with 23 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots. Jerami Grant matched him with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting as the Trail Blazers built separation in the third quarter and protected it the rest of the way.

Phoenix’s depleted rotation shows in shooting and ball security

Phoenix entered the game on the second night of a back-to-back after a double-overtime win over Orlando on Saturday. The Suns were also without several key rotation pieces, including Devin Booker (hip strain), Dillon Brooks (fractured hand), Grayson Allen (knee/ankle) and Jordan Goodwin (calf). The absences mattered in a game where generating clean looks and consistent creation proved difficult.

The Suns shot 36.9% from the field and struggled from long range early, going 2-of-19 from three in the first half while trailing 47-40 at the break. Collin Gillespie led Phoenix with 18 points and briefly cut into the deficit in the fourth quarter, while Jalen Green added 13.

Portland’s interior defense and third-quarter run decide the outcome

While both teams were sloppy, Portland’s ability to control the paint and disrupt attempts at the rim separated the game. The Trail Blazers finished with 11 blocks, repeatedly forcing Phoenix into late-clock possessions and contested finishes. Offensively, Portland did not need efficiency so much as timely scoring: the visitors pushed the lead to 20 late in the third quarter and entered the fourth up 71-57.

Ball security was an issue on both sides—Portland committed 21 turnovers and Phoenix had 19—yet the Suns were unable to translate those mistakes into sustained scoring runs because of missed shots and stalled half-court execution.

Injury note and what comes next

Portland absorbed an early setback when Deni Avdija exited after just 59 seconds with a lower back issue, after being listed questionable entering the game. The Trail Blazers compensated with defense and frontcourt production, particularly from Clingan.

• Portland next hosts Minnesota on Tuesday night, February 24, 2026.
• Phoenix next hosts Boston on Tuesday night, February 24, 2026.

The game’s combined 169 points reflected a night where stops were more reliable than jumpers, and availability heavily influenced the outcome.