Devin Booker pins blame for many Suns choke jobs this season

Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns are now in a do-or-die situation after losing to the Portland Trail Blazers, 114-110, in the Play-In Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on Tuesday.

The Suns blew an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, as the Trail Blazers completed the come-from-behind win and advanced to the playoffs. The Suns now need to beat the winner of the play-in game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors to get the last spot in the playoffs.

Phoenix had the chance to defeat Portland, but Jalen Green missed his three-pointer in their last possession.

After the game, Booker took responsibility for the loss, while also lamenting their failure to stop Deni Avdija, as reported by AZ Central’s Duane Rankin.

“When asked why the Suns lost, Devin Booker said it was Deni Avdija getting downhill and him missing five free throws,” shared Rankin on X.

The 29-year-old Booker also rued their overcomplacency whenever they erect a big lead.

“That’s been the story at the end of our season so far. I think we just need to remain aggressive. I think we get a lead and then kind of slow down a little bit. That’s not what got us the lead in the first place. Just continue to play the next action and continue to play faster,” added Booker.

Devin Booker on Suns blowing 11-point, 4th quarter lead in 114-110 loss to Blazers for 7th seed in Western Conference playoffs: "That's been the story at the end of our season so far. i think we just need to remain aggressive. I think we get a lead and kind of slow down a little… pic.twitter.com/14hiottz1H

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 15, 2026

The Suns went 6-11 in their last 17 games.

Booker scored 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting against the Trail Blazers.

Avdija, meanwhile, exploded for 41 points on 15-of-22 shooting, while also tallying five rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals. He made the go-ahead and-1 play with 16.1 seconds left.

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