The Phoenix Suns fell to 1-1 in NBA Summer League play on Sunday afternoon, losing to the New Orleans Pelicans, 81-75, after a late comeback attempt came up short.
After rallying from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers in their Summer League opener, the Suns faced a double-digit second-half deficit. Unlike Friday’s comeback, however, Phoenix was unable to erase the gap as New Orleans led from start to finish.
The Pelicans built a 12-point advantage with 2:06 remaining in the third quarter and maintained control throughout most of the second half. Phoenix mounted one final push late in the fourth, trimming a 75-67 deficit to three points after rookie center Khaman Maluach knocked down his second 3-pointer of the game.
With a chance to tie, Maluach’s game-tying 3-point attempt came up short with 44 seconds remaining. Rookie forward Koa Peat later connected on a fadeaway jumper to cut the deficit to 77-74 with 17 seconds left, but Maluach missed a free throw after being fouled on the play. The Suns had one final opportunity, but Peat’s contested 3-point attempt went out of bounds with 6.9 seconds remaining, effectively ending Phoenix’s comeback bid.
Darius Brown II led the Suns with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, while adding five rebounds and four assists. Maluach recorded his second consecutive double-double, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting and a game-high 15 rebounds. Peat added 12 points, while Rasheer Fleming finished with 11.
Phoenix once again struggled offensively early, shooting just 11-of-35 from the field and 2-of-15 from 3-point range in the first half. The Suns committed several costly mistakes and were unable to generate consistent offense despite strong performances from Brown and Maluach.
The shooting improved after halftime, but Phoenix still finished just 28-of-72 (38.9%) from the field and 6-of-30 (20%) from 3-point range. Brown accounted for half of the team’s made 3-pointers.
New Orleans was led by Jaron Pierre Jr., who scored 16 points, while Kobe Bufkin added 15.
Second-year guard Koby Brea continued to search for his rhythm, finishing 1-of-10 from the field and 0-of-6 from beyond the arc. Through two Summer League games, Brea has yet to make a 3-pointer.
The Suns return to NBA Summer League action Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the game set to air on Arizona’s Family Sports.