Portland Trail Blazers 114, Phoenix Suns 110 - Western Conference Play-In Tournament
The Portland Trail Blazers are heading to the NBA Playoffs for the first time in six years after a stunning comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Down 11 points entering the fourth quarter, Portland rallied behind a 41-point performance from Deni Avdija to secure the seventh seed in the Western Conference and a first-round matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Winning Moment
With 16.1 seconds remaining and the score tied, Deni Avdija - who had been unstoppable all night - drilled a clutch three-pointer to put Portland ahead for good. Moments later, Matisse Thybulle stripped Jordan Goodwin of the ball in the closing seconds, sealing the victory and sending the Moda Center faithful into a frenzy.
The Comeback
Portland trailed by 11 heading into the final period but mounted one of the most dramatic fourth-quarter comebacks in franchise recent history. The Blazers outscored Phoenix significantly in the final frame, turning a double-digit deficit into a playoff-clinching win.
Key Performances
Portland Trail Blazers
- Deni Avdija - 41 points, 12 assists. A complete performance from the Blazers' star, who saved his best for the biggest moment, hitting the go-ahead three with under 17 seconds to play.
- Jrue Holiday - 22 points. Holiday's veteran presence and scoring were critical to Portland's fourth-quarter surge.
- Matisse Thybulle - Delivered the game-sealing defensive play, stripping Jordan Goodwin of the ball in the final seconds to preserve the win.
Phoenix Suns
- Jordan Goodwin - Goodwin's turnover in the closing seconds ended Phoenix's last hope of forcing overtime or a comeback of their own.
What's Next
The Trail Blazers advance to the NBA Playoffs as the seventh seed in the Western Conference, where they will face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round. For a franchise that last tasted postseason basketball six years ago, Tuesday night's victory marks the beginning of a new chapter in Portland basketball.
