PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns fell behind on both ends after building huge leads while also blowing a huge lead early in the 2024-25 season.

Despite being the heavy favorite over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Suns once again saw history repeat itself.

Avoiding a late collapse, Phoenix ultimately defeated Portland 103-97 and improved to 5-1 on the season after already leading by 26 points on the night.

It was a poor start for both teams, who started a combined 3/19 from the field. An 8-2 run by the Suns to end the first quarter led to them taking a 22-18 lead after the first 12 minutes of play. Devin Booker led all scorers with six points.

It didn't take long for Phoenix to gain a foothold early in the second period, taking a double-digit lead thanks to a three-pointer from Kevin Durant (who also officially made 10,000 field goal attempts), going up by 11 and forcing a timeout in Portland.

However, that timeout proved to be crucial as Phoenix began to feel their lead slipping before halftime and they trailed the Trail Blazers 47-43. The Suns made just 12 field goals in the first half, although Durant led all scorers with 14.

While Ayton struggled from the field (2-for-10 shots midway through the third quarter), the Suns reached their largest lead of the game (13) after starting the third quarter with an 18-7 run. Phoenix continued their strong shooting (they had 40 three-point attempts by the end of the third period) and eventually extended their lead to 20 points before taking an 87-65 win to advance to the fourth round.

The Suns outscored Portland 44-18 in the third quarter.

Despite the large deficit, the Trail Blazers battled through and made the score 24-4 with three minutes left to draw within eight points.

Before you knew it, Portland was only two points behind with a minute left. Finally, Booker hit the free throw line to put the Suns ahead by six points with just seconds left on the clock and saw Phoenix walk away with a win.

Kevin Durant – 21 points, nine rebounds
Devin Booker – 28 points, nine assists, nine rebounds
Grayson Allen – 18 points, three blocks

Jerami Grant – 20 points, seven rebounds
Deandre Ayton – 10 points, 13 rebounds

The Suns face the Philadelphia 76ers at home on Monday night.