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As the Phoenix Suns get set to welcome the Portland Trail Blazers to town, they do so with revenge on their minds after dropping their season opener at the Moda Center. To get the inside scoop on Portland's early surge, we caught up with Sahal Arwo, a contributor for Portland Trail Blazers On SI, who shared his insights on the team's evolution and what the Suns must do to secure a win.
How Have the Blazers Changed Since Opening Night?
Arwo: Following a statement win on opening night, the Blazers have shown they can win in a variety of ways. Whether it's a comfortable, offense-driven victory or a gritty, scrappy comeback on the road, Portland has consistently overcome adversity en route to a 5-1 record. This early foundation is crucial for the team to establish its identity and capitalize in an injury-plagued Western Conference.
What's Been the Biggest Reason for Portland's 5-1 Start?
Arwo: The Trail Blazers have cultivated a selfless, team-first mentality. After facing questions in training camp—particularly about balancing the offensive trio of Deni Avdija, Damian Lillard, and the recently injured Ja Morant—Portland has responded with elite unselfish play. Balanced scoring and strong collective defense have been key. The team boasts a top-5 offensive rating, with five players averaging double figures, and a top-10 defensive rating. Winning makes buy-in easy, but only time will tell if this holds up when adversity strikes.
Which Player Has Overachieved Thus Far?
Arwo: I'd have to say Toumani Camara. Known primarily for his defensive prowess, the forward has been lights-out from beyond the arc through six games. He's knocked down 50 percent of his 46 three-point attempts, a significant leap from the 37 percent he shot last season. As much as I hate to admit it, I don't expect Camara to remain a top-15 three-point shooter all year, so he's definitely overachieved so far.
Is This Early Success Sustainable?
Arwo: The pace suggests it's a hot streak that will eventually cool. However, considering the Blazers' performances and those of teams around the league, I don't see why it can't be sustainable. Portland's only loss came against the now 6-1 Memphis Grizzlies, and the Blazers haven't even played their best basketball in their five wins. With teams like Oklahoma City and Minnesota dealing with injuries and many others struggling early, I can see Portland maintaining its momentum—even if it doesn't keep winning five out of every six games.
What Do the Suns Need to Do to Beat the Blazers Tonight?
Arwo: Phoenix must find a way to stop Deni Avdija, a player the Suns know well from their play-in matchup last postseason. Avdija hasn't missed a beat this season, averaging 23.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He's also been getting to the free-throw line frequently, attempting 9.8 per game—fourth-most in the NBA. If the Suns can prevent Avdija from getting downhill and reaching the charity stripe, their offensive firepower gives them a strong chance to stay in the game.
Donnie Druin is the Publisher for Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns On SI. He moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with the company since 2018. In college, he won 'Best Sports Column' in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously covered the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, and analysis.