PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are running out of time to fix a problem that has quietly defined the last stretch of their season: finishing games.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!It’s no longer just an issue, but a season-defining attribute — something star Devin Booker knows all too well.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) 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
Tuesday night’s 114-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers once again showcased it. Phoenix led by as many as 11 points midway through the fourth quarter, but a 17-5 run by Portland stalled the Suns. Defensive lapses led to a collapse that mirrored a broader trend, one Booker acknowledged bluntly postgame.
“That’s been the story of the end of our season so far,” Booker said. “I think we just need to remain aggressive. I think we get a little lead and kind of slow down a little bit. And that’s not what got us the lead in the first place.”
Devin Booker on what he thinks the Phoenix Suns need to do to avoid late-game collapses. Phoenix had an 11-point lead over the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter before falling 114-110.
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The Suns have played at one of the league’s slowest tempos in recent weeks, and that style showed up late again. The Trail Blazers surged behind Deni Avdija, who erupted for 41 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds, including the decisive and-one in the final seconds.
Booker’s critique cuts deep. With a lead, Phoenix appears to play not to lose rather than to win. That hesitation disrupts the very identity that builds advantages using pace, pressure and continuity.
“So just continue playing the next action and continue to play faster,” Booker added, describing what he believes the next step forward is.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The solution isn’t that the Suns need new ways to play, but rather to be more consistent in their execution under pressure. When Phoenix pushes the tempo and stays aggressive, they generate efficient looks and control the flow.
The Suns still have a path to the playoffs, but the margin is gone. There are no longer games to put away and learn from. Even the smallest flaw could be the difference between extending their season or leaving early.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) in the second half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With their leader focused on fixing the glaring issue, Phoenix will need not only to play to build a lead, but also to protect it until the final whistle.
The Suns will take on the winner of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers matchup for the No. 8 seed 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’ late-game struggles continue in biggest game of the year
