PORTLAND — The Phoenix Suns’ season-opening loss wasn’t pretty, and it was part of a historically lopsided opening night across the league.
Oct 21, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) drives to the basket during the first half against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Phoenix fell 124-83 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday in a performance that exposed problems on both ends of the floor. The Suns struggled to generate offense, while their defense faltered as the Trail Blazers opened the game with a 21-0 run.
According to OptaSTATS, it was the first time in NBA history that six teams lost their season openers by at least 20 points. Phoenix’s 41-point defeat was the second largest among the six teams.
In their season openers:
Bulls lost by 43
Suns lost by 41
Heat lost by 25
Kings lost by 25
Warriors lost by 22
Jazz lost by 20This is the first time in NBA history 6 different teams lost their openers by 20+ points in the same season.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 22, 2026
The Chicago Bulls suffered the worst defeat, falling by 43 points. The Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings each lost by 25, the Golden State Warriors by 22 and the Utah Jazz by 20.
The trouble started almost immediately for the Suns, missing their first 10 shots from the field. The Suns scored just 12 points in the first quarter, shooting 4 of 20 from the field and falling behind 43-12.
Oct 21, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) drives to the basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (5) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Devin Booker led Phoenix with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting and made all nine of his free throws, but didn’t get much support. Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green each finished with 10 points, while the Suns shot just 35.7% from the field and 6-of-31 (19.4%) from 3-point range.
Phoenix also struggled to control the glass, getting outrebounded 56-39. Portland took advantage of its size and perimeter shooting, making 19-of-47 3-point attempts while leading by as many as 52 points.
Oct 21, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) grabs a rebound during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
One game doesn’t determine a season, but Phoenix will need better shooting, stronger rebounding and more defensive resistance to avoid another early deficit that becomes too much to overcome.
The Suns will return home for their season opener at home against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, Oct. 24, 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
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