© Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
PORTLAND – The Phoenix Suns don’t need a reinvention tonight against Portland. They need discipline, and two very specific forms of it. If the Suns can focus on these two points, they will be in good shape for a victory on Tuesday night.
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Nov 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket during the second half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
With Grayson Allen sidelined with a right quad contusion, Phoenix enters a matchup that will quietly test the backbone of its offense, point-guard stability. Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin aren’t just fill-ins right now, as they have been doing a great job controlling the pace and decision-making. Phoenix’s turnover issues have been a problem that head coach Jordan Ott and company would love to fix, and with guys like Gillespie and Goodwin playing at a high level, their shot quality rises. These are small indicators that become massive in games where possessions matter more than highlight plays.
Nov 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Pacers guard RayJ Dennis (10) grabs Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23)’s jersey during the second half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
The second key is psychological, and it separates mature contenders from talented question marks. Phoenix cannot let the tough loss to Atlanta linger. Giving up a 22-point lead and letting Atlanta score 47 points in the fourth quarter is surely going to be a wake-up call for Phoenix in late-game scenarios. That’s where seasons quietly slip. That’s where contenders learn who they truly are. Playoff-caliber teams don’t just win on talent. They win on response, habits, and execution. Tonight gives Phoenix a perfect chance to showcase that they are able to shake off a bad loss and focus on the task at hand.
Nov 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts to a score during the second half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
For Phoenix fans, tonight is less about beating Portland and more about recognizing whether the Suns can impose their identity regardless of circumstances. Can they control frustration? Can they stay sharp? Can the next-man-up guards maintain the rhythm that keeps the offense from stalling? If the Suns handle these two keys, the scoreboard won’t just show a win; it will show progress.
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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
