Jalen Green criticizes officiating after Suns blow lead to Trail Blazers in crucial playoff matchup
Controversy - Phoenix guard questions referee treatment of Deni Avdija following devastating fourth-quarter collapse that saw the Suns surrender an 11-point lead and miss out on direct playoff qualification in front of their home crowd.
Apr 14, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after a three point shot while being fouled against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns experienced heartbreak at home Tuesday night, surrendering an 11-point lead with just over six minutes remaining in what became a crushing defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers. Leading 100-89 with playoff qualification within reach, Phoenix collapsed spectacularly, allowing Portland to outscore them 17-5 down the stretch to clinch the West’s seventh playoff seed.
In the aftermath of the devastating loss, Suns guard Jalen Green pointed fingers at the officiating, specifically regarding the treatment of Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija. « Calling that same foul. They got to call that both ways, if they’re gonna call it for one person all night, just my opinion, » Green said post-game.
Avdija delivers masterclass performance
The target of Green’s criticism, Deni Avdija, delivered a phenomenal performance with 41 points and 12 assists, repeatedly driving into Phoenix’s defense and converting 15 of his 22 field goal attempts. The Israeli forward shot 13 free throws on the night, though the overall foul distribution favored Phoenix, who attempted 32 free throws compared to Portland’s 23.
Suns coach Jordan Ott praised Avdija’s elite performance despite the frustrating loss. « Even on the last play, they ran the action to then get the switch — if you could see that the stack in front we had matched up — and again, got to the right hand. Whole goal was to try to keep him off that thing. He’s elite getting to it, » Ott said. « Give credit to him. 41 points, 12 assists. I thought he was phenomenal. His size, his strength, his ability to get to the free throw line in key moments. So, credit to him. »
The loss puts Phoenix in a precarious position as they become just the third seventh seed in play-in tournament history to lose their opening game. They now face elimination in a win-or-go-home scenario, with the possibility of becoming the first seventh seed never to advance to the actual playoff bracket.
However, the Suns will have home-court advantage for their next opportunity. « I think that’s the big key to getting the seven seed. You have two shots at this thing on your home court. Thought it was a great, great atmosphere, especially there in the fourth quarter, » Ott noted. « We’ll need it again Friday. » Phoenix will face the Golden State Warriors in their elimination game.
Deni Avdija
Follow
Jalen Green
Follow
NBA
Follow
Portland Trail Blazers
Follow
Golden State Warriors
Follow
Phoenix Suns
Follow
Sylvain Sultat follows the NBA on a daily basis, covering individual performances, team dynamics, and the league's greatest stories. On Be-Basketball, he breaks down the latest American basketball news with passion and consistency, always on the lookout for the trends shaping the world of basketball.
Comments (0)