PORTLAND – Some season openers are bad; others are warning signs. The Phoenix Suns’ embarrassing performance against the Portland Trail Blazers fell firmly into the second category.
Oct 21, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket during the first half against Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Phoenix trailed 43-12 after one quarter and 72-39 at halftime, but the scoreboard wasn’t even the most concerning part. The Suns looked a step behind defensively, stagnant offensively and, most troubling, lacked the urgency expected from a team trying to establish a new identity.
Oct 21, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant (1) drives to the basket during the first half against Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Portland dictated nearly everything. The Trail Blazers attacked the paint, crashed the offensive glass and consistently generated second-chance opportunities. Phoenix spent much of the night reacting instead. That is particularly concerning because physicality and offensive rebounding are supposed to become larger parts of the Suns’ identity.
Oct 21, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) is fouled during the first half against Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Their offensive approach wasn’t much better. Phoenix didn’t make its first 3-pointer until 9:37 remained in the second quarter. When the outside shots weren’t falling, the Suns failed to consistently counter by attacking the rim, pushing in transition, or creating easier opportunities. That becomes an important lesson moving forward. Phoenix cannot simply put two of Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green on the floor and expect perimeter shooting to solve stagnant possessions. Good offenses need alternatives when Plan A disappears.
Ighodaro winching after that last basket, grabbing at his right hip.
Remember he dealt with hip soreness in the preseason. Coming out of the game and heading to the locker room. #Suns #RipCity
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 22, 2026
Oso Ighodaro leaving late in the first half with a hip injury, the same hip he injured during the preseason, only added another concern. It was one game. One terrible game. But that distinction only matters if Phoenix treats it like a warning rather than an excuse. The Suns have an entire season to prove this performance was an anomaly. Their response will tell fans far more than opening night did.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
