Suns @ Trail Blazers Tuesday game thread, November 18th, 2025

[Ronin]

Suns Burn Blazers in Nightmare Outing

Roundball Rock replaced by sad trombones in Portland

www.blazersedge.com

 

[Ronin]

Phoenix Suns blast injury-depleted Trail Blazers

The Blazers lost for the sixth time in the last eight games.

www.oregonlive.com

 

[Ronin]

Booker talks Suns' ‘get better everyday mindset’

Devin Booker joins NBA Showtime on the heels of the Suns' win over the Trail Blazers, discussing the team's "get better everyday mindset" and the different forms of leadership he provides for his teammates.

www.nbcsports.com

 

[Dback Jon]

Went to bed at halftime. Great to see the win. And points from the entire team

 

[Ronin]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[Proximo]

Quite happy with this performance. By far the best we have played on the road.

Oso showed up again, Rasheer got his first real minutes. Defense was fantastic.

 

[Proximo]

Also, first half Flemming, provided some good minutes, good D, good hustle, got to the line.

Garbage time Flemming was trying to do waaaaaaay too much.

I think he's a good player, if we gave him like 10-15 minutes a night, I think he could find a groove. But the way the team is playing, it's hard to find those minutes right now. Even Livers, who I didn't even know was on the roster a few weeks back, is providing value.

Agreed, every single player other than Nigel seems to contribute when given a chance lately.

At times last night there was a freaking defensive frenzy going on trying to steal the ball, it shows total buy in from the players.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

one of the crazy things about this team - you watch the game and the competition will look pretty close - both teams trading baskets - creating turnovers but then you look up and we're up by 15 or 20 - it happens really fast yet somehow subtly - sign of a good team

and everybody does everything - everybody shoots - everybody covers guard through center and everybody helps - everybody rebounds - if you're not out past the 3 in position for the fast break you better be slashing through the paint trying to gather the freshly tipped rebound

 

[95pro]

one of the crazy things about this team - you watch the game and the competition will look pretty close - both teams trading baskets - creating turnovers but then you look up and we're up by 15 or 20 - it happens really fast yet somehow subtly - sign of a good team

and everybody does everything - everybody shoots - everybody covers guard through center and everybody helps - everybody rebounds - if you're not out past the 3 in position for the fast break you better be slashing through the paint trying to gather the freshly tipped rebound

We have a few guys who can go on a mini-run, for me its guys like CG and Brooks can get buckets like 2-3 times in a row, all while trying to shut down Williams and Booker. Just really destroys a teams confidence. Even when Oneale goes mia while Allen is out.

 

[Mainstreet]

I don’t think he helps much unless both our bigs are in foul trouble but even then it’s very little because he is so lost out there. I would rather see him developing in the G-League. Besides those are Oso’s minutes and as of late he is contributing. If Oso was still doing nothing? Maybe.

The Suns must see Fleming improving to give him playing time. He gives them something they need at the 4/5 if he continues to develop, such as elite athleticism and wingspan. Things happen with him in the lineup.

He is not going to take away from Oso's minutes, but he could challenge Richards, Hayes-Davis and Livers, although Livers has played quite well off the bench. The Suns will need Fleming before the season is over.

 

[JCSunsfan]

1. I did not expect this team to be 9-6 after 15. That is a pleasant surprise, especially after the start they had.
2. They have done this in spite of significant injuries and management for key players.
3. This offense moves a lot and forces defenses to move quickly and make mistakes. I love it. Everyone on the court gets involved.
4. This offense is not specific player dependent, so injuries can happen and subs can come in and fill roles fairly easily.
5. This offense flows very freely. Players get in the flow.
6. I love the defensive intensity. It is good defense even though the game pace might not show it in the stats.
7. Williams seems to be a huge part of this team even though his stats don't show it. He works hard, runs the floor, alters shots, and scores.
8. Gillespie is a very present surprise. He looks like he could handle a bigger role should it be demanded.
9. Oso is doing better. Doing a lot of little things that make him valuable. He is avoiding his weaknesses well.

 

[Mainstreet]

I like what I saw of Jamaree Bouyea. The Suns now have two point guards on their extended 17-man roster.

I'm thinking they like depth at point guard and the insurance it provides.

 

[Mainstreet]

Yeah, it's pretty obvious the main difference between this year's team and last year's is that a lot more of the rotation guys are defensively skilled. Last year it pretty much ended at Dunn and O'Neale.

And everyone is playing defense this season, although they haven't totally figured it out yet. We have seen flashes of what the defense can be.

They need to block out better and get those defensive rebounds.

 

[Mainstreet]

Once Fleming gains confidence, we are going to see a different player.

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[GatorAZ]

1. I did not expect this team to be 9-6 after 15. That is a pleasant surprise, especially after the start they had.
2. They have done this in spite of significant injuries and management for key players.
3. This offense moves a lot and forces defenses to move quickly and make mistakes. I love it. Everyone on the court gets involved.
4. This offense is not specific player dependent, so injuries can happen and subs can come in and fill roles fairly easily.
5. This offense flows very freely. Players get in the flow.
6. I love the defensive intensity. It is good defense even though the game pace might not show it in the stats.
7. Williams seems to be a huge part of this team even though his stats don't show it. He works hard, runs the floor, alters shots, and scores.
8. Gillespie is a very present surprise. He looks like he could handle a bigger role should it be demanded.
9. Oso is doing better. Doing a lot of little things that make him valuable. He is avoiding his weaknesses well.

Mark Williams’ box stats aren’t impressive he's got a 136 ORtg and leads the team in win shares per-48. When he’s on the floor the Suns are an elite offensive unit.

 

[Dan H]

Dang … Bud was really bad, huh?

 

[JCSunsfan]

Dang … Bud was really bad, huh?

I think it was a combo of Bud and KD. We played a star-focused isolation offense last year. We have much better center play and the ball is getting to more hands because it is not stuck in KD's. Coaching or player or both. I am thinking both.

 

[leclerc]

Loved the minutes for Fleming in the third.

 

[mjb21aztd]

420 banna haze kush to w l n))

Dr scope went well though 4 hr appointment!!! Waitin lol no more for 5 yrs)

Bit tired tod 4 am wake up but great gm by book l brooks ))

 

[Suns_fan69]

Fleming needs to settle down a bit on defense. He's trying to get too far up on-ball, relying on his length and athleticism to make up any mistakes. I can see that working in college (and even G League), but he's getting blown by at the NBA level and often fouling. Would like to see him play a bit more conservative and sound positionally. Same with Dunn tbh

 

[Hoop Head]

Fleming needs to settle down a bit on defense. He's trying to get too far up on-ball, relying on his length and athleticism to make up any mistakes. I can see that working in college (and even G League), but he's getting blown by at the NBA level and often fouling. Would like to see him play a bit more conservative and sound positionally. Same with Dunn tbh

Fleming reminds me of a young Jerami Grant back when he was a role player on the Nuggets. His upside is huge. He has everything except the right feel for the game at the moment. Once the game slows down for him, sky is the limit.

 

[Phrazbit]

I think it was a combo of Bud and KD. We played a star-focused isolation offense last year. We have much better center play and the ball is getting to more hands because it is not stuck in KD's. Coaching or player or both. I am thinking both.

Yeah, Bud was obviously a nothing for this team, but even if Ott were here last year, we wouldn't have been able to play this style. KD is not a "off ball movement, quick pass" player. When the ball hits his hands he slows things way down.

I think Allen and Royce are playing so much better because they can get in grooves, they are not just standing off to the side, waiting for Durant to either shoot or dribble into a double team and toss them a very sloppy pass.

 

[Ronin]

Suns increase havoc defensively to rattle Blazers

The Phoenix Suns had to hunker down and not only match a team playing their own style but outdo them too to get a win on Tuesday, and they did over the depleted Portland Trail Blazers 127-110.

arizonasports.com

 

[Ronin]

3 Observations: Suns Ride Electric Third Quarter to Victory in Portland

What stood out during the Suns' impressive second half in Portland? Let's take a look!

suns.com

 

[Ronin]

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media