PHOENIX — In Friday’s matchup, Jalen Brunson’s late-game turnover was a pivotal moment, yet Knicks coach Mike Brown noted Mikal Bridges’ lack of aggression in trying to reclaim possession.

“In those crucial moments, you have to actively pursue the basketball,” the coach emphasized. “Counting on the officials to intervene isn’t enough. We needed to secure the ball ourselves, and unfortunately, we didn’t do that.”

With just 13.5 seconds on the clock during their 112-107 loss to the Suns, Brunson’s misdirected pass was deflected by Grayson Allen.

Bridges, positioned nearest to the ball, hesitated, assuming it would roll out of bounds off the Suns. However, Allen hustled to keep the play alive and cleverly rebounded it off Bridges, finalizing the turnover while the Knicks were down by three.

This decisive play contributed significantly to New York’s fifth defeat in six games. Bridges, who has seen a notable dip in his free throw attempt average to 1.4 per game, has frequently shied away from physical play this season.

The Knicks (24-14) next play on the road against the Trail Blazers (19-20) on Sunday, who are riding a breakthrough season from Deni Avdija.

“They’re a team that’s really rolling right now,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “They’re hot. And we’re not the hottest team right now, so it’s a good matchup and it’s something that we have to go out there against a really good team and put things together if we expect to leave with a win.”

Brown seems to be losing faith in a couple of his youngsters and contracted his rotation in Friday’s loss to the Suns, with only three bench players logging more than four minutes (Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robinson and Tyler Kolek).

Mohamed Diawara, the second-round rookie who started twice during Josh Hart’s injury absence, hasn’t played more than seven minutes in the past six games.

Kevin McCullar Jr. only logged one minute Friday.

Landry Shamet has been taking “controlled contact” in workouts, according to the Knicks, the next step toward his long-awaited return from a shoulder injury.

The guard was ruled out of Sunday’s game in Portland, which will be his 24th straight DNP since his right shoulder was dislodged from its socket Nov. 22 in Orlando.

As recently as New Year’s Eve, Shamet, who missed about 10 weeks last season after dislocating his shoulder, had not yet been cleared for contact.

Miles McBride is shooting 45 percent on 3-pointers, which ranked third in the NBA heading into Saturday among players who attempted at least 180 treys.

Asked about a potential invitation to the 3-point competition at All-Star weekend, the guard smiled and said, “I’ve thought about it.”

But it’s not like he’s been shooting off racks. At least not yet.

“I’ve never practiced it,” McBride said. “It’d be a fun challenge.”

Still, McBride is probably a long shot for an invitation, which often goes to All-Stars. He entered Saturday with 81 made 3-pointers, tied for 43rd in the league.

The Knicks have never had a 3-point competition winner. Brunson was their latest representative last year, but he didn’t get past the first round.