Devin Booker finished with 22 points as the Phoenix Suns fell 114-110 to the Portland Trail Blazers in a Western Conference play-in game on Tuesday, April 14.
Phoenix now moves into a win-or-go-home scenario for the final postseason spot after a game defined by early deficits and late execution issues.
Booker pointed to the decision-making on the final possession when asked about the closing sequence.
“[Jalen Green] had it going the whole night. I mean, you know, I can take that shot too and force overtime, but you know, I seen Jrue sleeping a little bit and Jalen shifted to open space.”
Phoenix repeatedly relied on perimeter creation in the final minutes but could not generate enough separation against Portland’s defensive rotations.
When asked about the broader approach in high-pressure situations, Booker referenced the team’s early-game issues.
“Yeah. I mean spend the night looking at what we could have did better to not go down 14 early and you know just get ready for Friday once we know who we’re playing against.”
Booker identified defensive breakdowns as a key factor in the loss, especially against downhill attacks.
“I think defensively letting, you know, Deni get downhill and make plays and get in our paint and me missing five free throws.”
Phoenix struggled to contain Deni Avdija, who finished with 41 points and 12 assists on efficient shooting.
Booker also addressed his free-throw performance, which deviated from his career standards.
“Once you miss a couple, I think it just becomes a mental game and, you know, overthinking something that, you know, put millions of reps into.”
Offensively, Phoenix generated stretches of strong shot-making but failed to sustain efficiency in the closing minutes.
“I’d have to look at it back and you know I think we only made nine threes on the night to a team that you know they kind of force you into the mid-range game and you know I think we could have got more threes up overall as a group.”
Jalen Green led Phoenix with 35 points, and Booker highlighted his impact within the half-court offense.
“Yeah. I mean, he was scoring all over the court, you know, he was getting in the teeth of their defense and being patient about it. And knocking down tough shots. He carried us well tonight.”
Booker also addressed late-game pacing, noting the Suns’ offensive slowdown after building momentum earlier.
“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.”
Phoenix finished with 13 turnovers and shot 9-of-25 from three-point range, while Portland closed the game with stronger late-possession execution to secure the win.
