Donovan Clingan led the Portland Trail Blazers with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks as they defeated the Phoenix Suns 92-77 on Sunday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The victory came amid concern as All-Star forward Deni Avdija left early due to a lower back injury, a troubling development for the Suns during the contest.
Game Highlights and Team Performance
Jerami Grant contributed 23 points on efficient 9-of-13 shooting, helping the Blazers bounce back after a devastating 157-103 loss to the Denver Nuggets just two days earlier. Portland has now won five of their last seven games, demonstrating improved defensive intensity.
The Blazers commanded the game with a 20-point lead late in the third quarter, entering the fourth period up 71-57. Collin Gillespie’s two three-pointers momentarily narrowed the gap to 80-69 with over seven minutes remaining, but Grant quickly responded with a three-pointer to halt Phoenix’s rally.
On the Suns’ side, Gillespie finished with 18 points and Jalen Green added 13, but no other players reached double digits. Phoenix struggled offensively, shooting just 37% overall and 26% from beyond the arc, marking their lowest scoring output of the season.
Challenges Facing the Phoenix Suns Lineup
Phoenix entered the game missing several key players, including All-Star guard Devin Booker, sidelined with a hip strain; forward Dillon Brooks, out with a fractured hand; guard Grayson Allen, contending with knee and ankle issues; and guard Jordan Goodwin, limited by a calf injury. Collectively, these four absent players average over 70 points per game, severely impacting the Suns’ offensive capabilities.
Both teams committed numerous turnovers during a generally slow-paced and sloppy first half. The Blazers held a 47-40 halftime lead thanks in part to restricting Phoenix to just 11% shooting from three-point range (2-for-19). Jerami Grant scored 12 points before intermission, setting the tone for Portland’s defense-focused approach.
Deni Avdija Exits Early with Back Problem
Avdija, who has been dealing with recurring lower back problems and missed 10 out of 16 games before the All-Star break, decided to play despite being listed as questionable. However, within the first minute, he injured his back while backing into the post and was forced to leave the game immediately, not returning for the remainder.
“Avdija was listed as questionable before the game, but decided to play. But he tweaked his back backing his way into the post in the opening minute and left the court immediately.” ?Source
Upcoming Schedules for Both Teams
The Trail Blazers are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night as they continue their playoff push. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns will welcome the Boston Celtics on the same evening, aiming to regain momentum despite their current injury woes.
Significance of Avdija’s Injury for the Suns’ Season
Deni Avdija’s back injury adds to Phoenix’s ongoing struggles with player health and roster depth during a critical stretch of the season. His absence could further hinder the Suns’ ability to keep pace in a competitive Western Conference. For Portland, the victory and defensive improvement provide cause for cautious optimism as they look ahead to upcoming challenges.
