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Phoenix must respond after a disastrous loss to Portland

The Phoenix Suns suffered a disastrous 112-97 home opener loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 21, 2026, exposing a baffling lack of cohesion and preparedness. With Damian Lillard back for Portland and new players debuting, the Suns appeared disjointed, prompting editor John Voita to liken the performance to a crime scene. The article calls out the team’s sluggish start and urges fans to weigh in ahead of the Suns’ next home game on Saturday, emphasizing the urgent need for improved effort from coaches and players.

The Suns are on the wrong side of history

The Phoenix Suns suffered a historic 124-83 drubbing at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21, 2026 – a 41‑point season‑opener loss, the worst in franchise history and the second 40+ defeat in the NBA’s 50‑year record. Phoenix shot just 35.7% and 6‑of‑31 from three, while Damian Lillard poured in 25 points for Portland. Only the 1999 Miami Heat have rebounded from a 40‑plus loss to make the playoffs. With two days to regroup before facing Golden State, the Suns must overhaul effort, defense and ball movement.

Overreaction: The Phoenix Suns are not an ascending team

The Bright Side Of The Sun argues the Phoenix Suns are far from an "ascending" team, citing a recent loss to Portland as evidence. Devin Booker posted a -43 box score with zero 3‑point attempts, highlighting a concerning decline. The article critiques Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie, and Miles Bridges as talented but unlikely to improve significantly, and doubts the growth potential of bench players like Ryan Dunn, Rasheer Fleming, Toumani Camara, Oso Ighodaro, and Koa Peat. Only Jalen Green and Khaman Maluach are seen as possible ascenders, yet both display critical weaknesses in vision and defensive fundamentals. Owner Mat Ishbia’s optimism appears misplaced as the roster lacks clear upward momentum.

Blazers Coach Micah Nori Has Early-Season Rotation Set

The Portland Trail Blazers opened the season with a win over the Phoenix Suns, and head coach Micah Nori has already locked in a 10‑man rotation. The confirmed starters are Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan, while the bench includes Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, Williams, defensive specialist Sidy Cissoko and a flexible slot for Vit Krejčí, Micah Potter or Branden Carlson. Lillard praises Nori’s clear communication, and Holiday says the deeper rotation will keep the team’s energy high. Nori’s early‑season plan aims to leverage the Blazers’ depth and maintain fresh, aggressive play.

Updated: Predict Your NEW Win Total for the Blazers in 2026-27

After a stunning 123-84 season‑opener win over the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers have sparked fresh debate about their win total for 2026-27. Earlier predictions hovered in the mid‑40s, but the dominant performance urges fans to update their forecasts, including potential playoff seeding. The blog invites readers to submit new win projections and playoff outlooks in the comments.

Rockets Notes: VanVleet, Smith, Durant, Smart, Eason

The Rockets opened their season with a 128‑point win over Dallas, shifting to a much faster pace thanks to Fred VanVleet’s return. VanVleet logged six points, 11 assists and zero turnovers, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant each poured in 30 points. The new tempo generated 29 fast‑break points and 21 forced turnovers, addressing last season’s take‑away woes. Marcus Smart provided steady ball‑handling, and despite Tari Eason’s early ejection for a flagrant foul, the team emphasized transition play and rebounding. The performance suggests Houston’s revamped offense and defensive aggressiveness could be a key storyline this year.

A moment of Zen about the Spurs’ opening night loss to the Thunder

The Spurs stumbled 12-0 in their opening night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, falling to a 0-1 record tied with several other winless teams. Victor Wembanyama recorded only one dunk, while Devin Vassell managed seven points on 25% shooting. The Thunder’s Chet Holmgren outscored Wembanyama 14-12 and blocked his shot, and bench scorer Jared McCain hit 6‑of‑8 from three, accounting for the decisive margin. Oklahoma’s superior three‑point shooting (13‑31) versus San Antonio’s (9‑37) proved the difference, despite the Spurs’ better free‑throw and two‑point percentages. The article breaks down the box score, turnovers and key performances to explain the 12‑point loss.

Devin Booker attempts zero threes in Suns’ season-opening 41-point loss

In Phoenix Suns’ season‑opening loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Suns were trounced 124‑83, a 41‑point defeat that saw Devin Booker—still on his rookie number‑15 jersey—record just 12 points on 6‑of‑17 shooting and, astonishingly, attempt zero three‑pointers. It was only the 17th time in his 738‑game career that Booker didn’t shoot from beyond the arc, the first such instance since November 2024. Meanwhile, returning star Damian Lillard went 6‑of‑10 from three for 25 points, highlighting the Suns’ offensive woes. Coach Jordan Ott blamed the emotional atmosphere, and Booker acknowledged the need to improve in post‑game comments.

Phoenix Suns’ blowout loss part of historic opening night across NBA

The Phoenix Suns suffered a historic 124-83 blowout loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 21, marking the league’s first night where six teams lost their season openers by 20+ points. Suns guard Devin Booker led with 23 points, but the team shot just 35.7% and was out‑rebounded 56-39, falling behind early after a 21‑0 run. The defeat was the second‑largest of the night, trailing only the Chicago Bulls’ 43‑point loss. Phoenix heads home to face the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 24, needing better shooting, rebounding and defense to avoid similar collapses.

NBA Notes: Blazers, Damian Lillard, Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, Clippers

Trail Blazers Damian Lillard gave the Trail Blazers a familiar performance in his return. His responsibilities, however, look different this time around, and he’s happy about that. Lillard scored 25 points and made six three-pointers in 23 minutes Wednesday as Portland routed the Suns 124-83. It was his first regular-season game since recovering from a […] The post NBA Notes: Blazers, Damian Lillard, Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, Clippers appeared first on Hoops Wire .

Dillon Brooks’ LeBron James, Kevin Durant trolling immediately backfires with Phoenix’s 41-point loss to Blazers

The Phoenix Suns were one of the teams that surprised many last season after the roster shakeup they had, but it happened to work in their favor. Dillon Brooks was one of their biggest additions, and he ended up having a career season to help the team get to the playoffs. Of course, with Brooks […] The post Dillon Brooks’ LeBron James, Kevin Durant trolling immediately backfires with Phoenix’s 41-point loss to Blazers appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Blazers’ Dame Time is officially back, just like Damian Lillard knew it would be all along

Portland Blazers veteran Damian Lillard’s comeback season is officially underway after a 124-83 blowout victory against the Phoenix Suns got things started the right way in their season opener. Lillard started alongside Ja Morant in the backcourt as Portland debuted it new starting duo. Damian led with 25 points on 7-for-12 shooting, including six threes, […] The post Blazers’ Dame Time is officially back, just like Damian Lillard knew it would be all along appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Damian Lillard takes shot at everybody hating on Ja Morant fit after nuking Suns

The Portland Trail Blazers couldn’t have had a better season opener. After starting their matchup against the Phoenix Suns with a 43-12 first quarter, they won 124-83. Damian Lillard returned to the roster, scoring 25 points, hitting six three-pointers, and adding six assists, three rebounds, and one steal. Damian Lillard on Ja Morant's Blazers debut […] The post Damian Lillard takes shot at everybody hating on Ja Morant fit after nuking Suns appeared first on ClutchPoints .