Phoenix Suns’ late-game struggles continue in biggest game of the year

Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns will need to play one more game to lock in their spot in the playoffs, with late-game issues still at the forefront after their loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, 114-110.

Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) moves the ball against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Much of the sentiment around the Valley faithful was optimism that they could pull off the win Tuesday, but some noted concern about how the Suns have struggled to maintain leads late. It was a trend that plagued Phoenix in its push for a top-six seed by the end of the year.

Phoenix struggled to put away opponents like the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors, building substantial leads but unable to finish the job. The most notable collapse came against the Houston Rockets on April 7 — jumping to a 26-5 lead early before allowing the Rockets to come back in a 119-105 loss.

Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

When asked how his team would avoid collapses with added pressure from the play-in, head coach Jordan Ott described how sports are a game of “highs and lows,” and how his team can adjust to be “just a little bit better.”

“We’ve talked a lot about value in possessions, but there also is a level of mental resilience you’re going to need,” Ott said. “… It’s 48 minutes, or however long it takes. And that’s the playoff experience. The guys who have been in this, we know there is a game of runs… At the end of the night, it’s basketball. That’s what these guys do, that’s what we do. We’ve got to go out and execute.”

The Suns once again started hot, opening an eight-point lead against the Trail Blazers. However, Portland controlled much of the game afterward and led 65-62 by halftime.

After falling behind by 14, the Suns recaptured momentum off critical 3-point shots as the crowd at Mortgage Matchup Center roared. The second half was the most crucial, as Phoenix dug itself out of another large deficit to regain the lead.

However, even a double-digit lead halfway through the fourth quarter wasn’t enough to feel secure — mirroring a familiar pattern fans have known too well.

Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) moves the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The question was whether Phoenix could sustain intensity for all four quarters, and it seems the struggles are still there. With minimal 3-point shooting to start the game and not fully taking advantage of a hot home crowd that shifted momentum in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough for the Suns to completely put the game away.

With the loss, Phoenix will take on either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Golden State Warriors to determine the No. 8 seed in this year’s NBA playoffs on Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

Phoenix Suns’ Jordan Ott confident in collective playoff experience to carry into play-in