Suns Rally From 14 Down to Beat Blazers 81-79 as Maluach Posts 19 and 11

Q: Did Suns rookie Koa Peat's debut prove he was the most NBA-ready player on a court full of lottery picks?

No. Koa Peat’s debut was impressive, but it did not prove he was the most NBA-ready player on that floor. Peat looked polished in Phoenix’s 81-79 win over Portland, finishing with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a block on 6-of-11 shooting. The most encouraging part was how naturally he fit the game: he played with strength, made quick reads, and helped drive the Suns’ second-half comeback. That aligns with his pre-draft profile as a physical, high-feel forward who already understands screening, short-roll play and connective offense. But “most NBA-ready” is a higher bar than “very good debut.” Suns big man Khaman Maluach, the No. 10 pick in 2025, was at least as convincing, posting 19 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes. His size, rim presence and production were major factors in the win, and he entered Summer League with a clearer NBA role as a defensive anchor. On the Portland side, Yang Hansen had an uneven night but still flashed NBA-caliber passing and stretch ability with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Peat’s opener did strengthen the case that he may be more ready than some evaluators thought, especially given pre-draft concerns about his shooting and whether he needed more development time. What it proved is that he belongs and can contribute early. What it did not prove, from one Summer League game, is that he was definitively the most NBA-ready lottery-level talent on the court.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 11

Phoenix erased a 38-24 halftime deficit after shooting 21.1% in the first half and missing all 13 3-point attempts, then closed out Portland’s 81-79 loss when DJ Steward missed a tying floater at the buzzer.
Khaman Maluach drove the turnaround with 19 points, 11 rebounds and three third-quarter 3-pointers, while Javonte Cooke scored 21 and rookie Koa Peat added 17, including 13 in the second half.
Chaisson Allen said early nerves in the Summer League setting fueled the ugly start, but praised Phoenix for settling down and "playing our brand of basketball" after the break.
Phoenix also dealt with injury issues: two-way player CJ Huntley sat with a right hamstring injury, and Maluach plus Rasheer Fleming exited late with leg cramps.
The opener offered an early look at the Suns’ young core—especially Maluach’s defense and Peat’s point-forward play—before Phoenix faces New Orleans on July 12.