The Phoenix Suns delivered a dominant performance to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 111-87 in the 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League finale on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. What started as a competitive opener turned into a lopsided showcase of depth and execution, with Phoenix outscoring Portland 92-62 over the final three quarters. The win snapped the Suns’ two-game losing streak and left them at 2-3 for the tournament, while the Blazers ended their Summer League campaign at 3-2 — tied for fourth place with four other teams. But this wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was a critical data point for both franchises as they prepare for the grind of the regular season.

From Promise to Pressure: The Blazers’ Summer Slide

Portland opened strong, leading 25-19 after the first quarter, showing flashes of the offensive rhythm they hope to build this fall. But then came the collapse. The Suns’ second-quarter barrage — a 30-14 run — didn’t just erase the lead; it shattered the Blazers’ rhythm. By halftime, Phoenix led 49-39, and the momentum never flipped. The third quarter saw another 28-22 edge for the Suns, and the final frame was a clinic: 34 points to Portland’s 26. The difference? Defense. Phoenix forced 19 turnovers and converted them into 27 points. The Blazers, meanwhile, shot just 39% from the field and missed 14 of their 22 three-point attempts.

Key players like Yang and Hansen sat out, as expected, with the team prioritizing rest for its top prospects. But even among the younger rotation, the lack of consistency was glaring. No Portland player scored more than 18, and their bench contributed only 21 points — a stark contrast to Phoenix’s 52-point bench explosion. The absence of a reliable second scorer beyond their starters exposed the depth issues that could haunt them early in the regular season.

Suns’ Depth Shines as Battle Leads the Charge

While Portland struggled to find rhythm, the Suns leaned on their bench depth and veteran poise. Khalif Battle led all scorers with 21 points and five assists, playing with the confidence of someone who knows he’s fighting for a roster spot. His ability to penetrate and draw defenders opened lanes for others, and his composure under pressure was the quiet engine behind Phoenix’s surge. Guard Malik Williams added 17 points off the bench, while center Josh Green dominated the paint with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

What stood out wasn’t just the scoring — it was the cohesion. Phoenix’s second unit outscored Portland’s by 31 points, a testament to coach Frank Vogel’s emphasis on continuity and role clarity. The Suns didn’t just win; they played with purpose. Every possession felt intentional. Every pass had direction. Even their defensive rotations — often a weakness in past Summer League outings — were crisp and aggressive.

Summer League Standings: Charlotte Reigns, Portland Tied for Fourth

The 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League ended with the Charlotte Hornets as the only undefeated team at 6-0, followed by the Sacramento Kings at 5-1. Portland, along with the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Indiana Pacers, finished tied at 3-2. For a team that made the playoffs last season, the Blazers’ performance was underwhelming. But for a roster still in transition — with new coaching staff and a handful of rookies — it’s more about growth than glory.

The Suns, meanwhile, showed signs of becoming a more balanced team. After finishing 14th in the West last season, they’ve clearly prioritized rebuilding depth. Their Summer League performance suggests they’re not just relying on Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to carry them anymore.

What’s Next? Regular Season Rematch Looms

This Summer League clash was just a warm-up. The real test comes in November. The two teams will meet twice in the regular season: first on November 18, 2025 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, where the Suns won 127-110 behind 19 points from Booker. The rematch is set for November 19, 2025 at Moda Center in Portland, tip-off at 4:00 AM UTC.

For Portland, the November 19 game could be a turning point. Can they turn Summer League frustrations into resilience? Can their young core show they belong on the same floor as Phoenix’s stars? For Phoenix, it’s about proving this Summer League surge wasn’t a fluke — that they’ve built a team that can compete beyond the bubble of Las Vegas.

Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard

Summer League isn’t about championships. It’s about identity. For Portland, it’s asking: Who’s the next leader? Who can handle the ball in crunch time? Who can defend without fouling? For Phoenix, it’s about trust — trusting their bench, trusting their system, trusting that they’re no longer a two-man show.

The Blazers’ 3-2 record looks respectable on paper. But look closer: they lost to teams like the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz — both rebuilding. Their only wins came against teams with worse records. The Suns, despite their 2-3 record, beat the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers — both playoff-caliber teams. That’s the real story.