In a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns, the Chicago Bulls may have emerged as the biggest winner.

The Portland Trail Blazers are back in the playoffs for the first time in five years after beating the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament. Read how Deni Avdija led the team to victory.

If you squinted just a little bit on Friday, you might have mistaken it for the old days. The Trail Blazers were locked in a meaningful game. The Moda Center was loud. A thunderous dunk by Donovan Clingan on one end of the court drew a cheer that hadn’t yet died out by the time Clingan drew an offensive foul on Brook Lopez on the other.

Scoot Henderson didn’t hesitate when asked about expectations. “Man, a win. That’s my expectation.” That answer captures where the Portland Trail Blazers are heading into their matchup with the Phoenix Suns.

Explore the scariest part of Deni Avdija's 41-point performance in the Play-In tournament and what it means for the Blazers' upcoming series against the Spurs.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) gets fouled by Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament basketball game, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Phoenix.

Follow our live coverage of the NBA Play-In Tournament, beginning with Hornets beating Heat followed by Trail Blazers holding on to defeat the Suns

The Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers face each other in play-in action.