Key Takeaways:
- Deni Avdija delivered a remarkable 41-point performance to lead the Portland Trail Blazers past the Phoenix Suns 114-110 in the Western Conference play-in
- The Trail Blazers closed the game with a decisive 17-5 surge, overturning an eight-point deficit in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter
- Phoenix will now face the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Clippers in the final play-in round for a play-off spot
Play-In Showdown: Late Rally Seals Portland Upset
Israeli forward Deni Avdija produced a breathtaking 41-point showing on Tuesday as the Portland Trail Blazers staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Phoenix Suns 114-110 in their Western Conference play-in encounter. The Suns, holding the seventh seed, appeared set to clinch a first-round play-off meeting with the San Antonio Spurs after establishing an eight-point advantage with just over three minutes left in regulation.
However, Portland responded with a 17-5 scoring run down the stretch, overturning the deficit and sending Phoenix into a precarious position ahead of the final play-in round. The result forces the Suns to face either the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Clippers as they battle for play-off qualification.
BLAZERS WIN!!
BLAZERS WIN!! pic.twitter.com/2ENkA7u9rE— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 15, 2026
Key Performers and Statistics
Avdija’s prolific effort provided the foundation for Portland’s comeback, and the forward’s 41 points proved pivotal in the closing stages. Jrue Holiday offered solid support with 21 points, while Jerami Grant provided a spark off the bench with 16 points.
For the Suns, Jalen Green topped the scoring charts with 35 points, and Devin Booker contributed 22 points, though it was not enough to guard against the late onslaught from the Trail Blazers.
| Player | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Deni Avdija | Portland Trail Blazers | 41 |
| Jrue Holiday | Portland Trail Blazers | 21 |
| Jerami Grant | Portland Trail Blazers | 16 |
| Jalen Green | Phoenix Suns | 35 |
| Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns | 22 |
What Lies Ahead for Phoenix
With the defeat, the Suns miss their direct route to the play-offs and will now compete against either the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Clippers in a decisive play-in fixture. The Trail Blazers, having pulled off the upset, move forward in the post-season with momentum, thanks to Avdija’s career night and a spirited team effort.
