PHOENIX – If there was any time for the Phoenix Suns to get a big victory at home, it is now. Even though it is early in the season, Phoenix needs to get a momentum-shifting win. There are three things that the Suns need to focus on if they want to even think about doing so.
Oct 21, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) 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
The Phoenix Suns don’t need a reminder of what happened the last time they saw the Portland Trail Blazers. They experienced it firsthand. Portland handed Phoenix a 124-83 beating in the season opener, a performance Dillon Brooks described as getting “smacked in the mouth.” Now, the two teams meet again, but their seasons have taken dramatically different directions. The Trail Blazers enter at 5-1, while Phoenix sits at 1-4, searching for answers after an inconsistent start that has exposed several concerning weaknesses.
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
For the Suns, the biggest problem isn’t simply losing games. It’s how they’re losing them. Phoenix’s defensive identity has seemingly disappeared. Jordan Ott’s team has struggled to secure defensive rebounds, allowing opponents far too many second-chance opportunities. Those extra possessions have become a recurring problem, putting additional pressure on an offense that hasn’t consistently delivered. Even more concerning is the lack of physicality. Hustle, energy, and defensive commitment were supposed to be defining characteristics of this Suns team. Instead, Phoenix has frequently looked like a spectator while opposing teams dictate the intensity.
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
The lone victory against a depleted Golden State Warriors team offered little reassurance, as Phoenix needed a significant fight just to escape with a win. Against Portland, that approach won’t be enough. The Suns need to establish themselves defensively, control the perimeter, and avoid allowing the Trail Blazers to dictate the game’s physicality. Winning the battle on the outside could give Phoenix an opportunity, particularly if Portland’s offense cools down. For Suns fans, this isn’t just about avenging an opening-night embarrassment. It’s about finding out whether this team still has the toughness and identity necessary to compete. Another loss won’t define the season, but it would make the questions surrounding Phoenix considerably louder.
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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
