PHOENIX – Tuesday’s 114-110 Play-In loss was a tough one to swallow for the Phoenix Suns. The franchise was up double digits in the fourth quarter but couldn’t stop All-Star Deni Avdija, who scored 14 of his 41 points in the final frame. Despite the high scoring performance, guard Jalen Green wasn’t impressed and implied that Avdija was benefiting from the refs whistle.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Green spoke postgame about what led to the team’s collapse and stated that the officials need to call fouls both ways and not just one person, insinuating Avdija’s healthy whistle.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after a three point shot while being fouled 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
Green on problem with officials:
Phoenix shot nine more free throws than Portland, but Avdija did tie for the most free throws taken during the matchup at 13, tying Devin Booker. Entering the Play-In, the 25-year-old attempted the second-most free throws per game this season, but drove 19.4 times per game, a league most. A player that drives often to the basket is likely to get more free throws and leading to a slight disparity.
The problem could really lie in Devin Booker’s performance in the fourth quarter. He has similar driving numbers to Avdija, fifth in drives (15.7) and fifth in free throws per game (8.1). However, the five-time All-Star only took three throws in the fourth quarter in Tuesday’s game. If Booker was more aggressive towards the end of game, he likely could’ve gotten the same whistle as Avdija.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) celebrates 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
Avdija does have a reputation of complaining for calls. The most notable example came late in the fourth quarter with 37.3 seconds left. He was able to drive pass his defender in Jordan Goodwin and make a four-foot shot for Portland to take the lead.
Instead of celebrating with his teammates, Avdija immediately turned around and yelled at the referee for not calling the foul, with his teammates dragging him away to not get a technical foul, that would’ve been warranted. The complaining does work, as the next offensive possession, Avdija drove again and this time got the call on an And-one to close out the game.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) celebrates a three pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers 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 loss is a tough one to swallow for Green, but the officiating is not why the Suns loss their first Play-In game. If they carry that same mindset into Friday’s Play-In game, Phoenix has an opportunity to make history as the first seventh seed to not make the playoffs.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
