Devin Booker looks back in All-Star form beating the Trailblazers in Portland
The Phoenix Suns came into Portland and showed why they could be contenders in Western Conference. The Suns had their best defensive showing of the season in the 127-110 win over the Trailblazers in Portland.
Portland did have Jrue Holiday and five other players out with injuries for this game. These injuries affected the team's ability to stay competitive and control the midcourt. To many sloppy mistakes.
The Suns were still without starters, Grayson Allen and Jalen Green. Devin Booker 19 point performance, that was only three quarters long. Coach Ott chose to sit Booker in the fourth for rest.
Phoenix took an early lead in this game, ending the first quarter up only three points. As the game went on that lead just kept expanding. Leading in the third quarter by 25 points, the Trailblazers had the worst three-point shooting performance of the year, going 10-41 from three in the game.
The Blazers did have one player on the court showing heart and fighting the whole game. Shaedon Sharpe shot for 29 points against the Suns, attempting to put on some sort of show for the Portland Fans.
Phoenix has done a great job recently coming out of the half and going on runs. Well, they did so again in this game, coming out of the half and going on a 12-0 run and never looking back.
The focus for Coach Ott is the lack of defense and learning to maintain a lead. Multiple games the Suns have controlled the game for three quarters but find a way to blow the win and lose at the end of games.
The defense for Phoenix stepped up immensely, having a season high of 19 steals. Backing that up with 29 fastbreak points.
Phoenix did not do so on Tuesday night in Portland. The Suns dominated all game and there has to be a question once they get healthy can this team be a top seed in the West.