The Phoenix Suns experienced their first setback in the Summer League, losing to the Atlanta Hawks 98-80. Despite a strong performance from second-year player Oso Ighodaro, who tallied 18 points and 9 rebounds, the Suns struggled with turnovers and rebounding, which proved to be detrimental to their efforts.
Fans eager to see players Ryan Dunn, Khaman Maluach, and Rasheer Fleming were disappointed as all three were ruled out before the game. The Hawks, led by first-round pick Asa Newell, dominated the matchup. Newell recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds, as Atlanta outperformed Phoenix in critical areas, including points in the paint (40-26) and second-chance points (14-4).
Koby Brea started strong with 15 points but faltered in the second half, finishing with a less effective shooting performance. Yuri Collins contributed 12 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds, but the Suns’ 17 turnovers and ineffective half-court offense allowed the Hawks to leverage their advantages.
In terms of game development, the Suns showcased their fastbreak ability, outscoring the Hawks 22-10 in transition. However, missed opportunities and defensive lapses hindered their chances of maintaining their undefeated status. The game highlighted an inconsistent offense that, while showing flashes of potential, struggled to maintain momentum.
The first half began promisingly for the Suns, who raced to an early lead but quickly fell back as turnovers and a lack of offensive flow let the Hawks gain control. Each team found itself trading runs, but the Suns could not keep up with Atlanta’s momentum.
Despite a solid third-quarter effort that saw Phoenix score 30 points and tighten the score, shooting woes plagued them down the stretch, as they went cold from beyond the arc in the final quarter. The loss emphasized the need for more consistency, especially regarding ball security and rebounding, as the Suns continue to mold their team identity under coach Brian Gregory.
Looking ahead, the Suns will face the Sacramento Kings next, with players Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford playing critical roles for their teams. There remains hope for the Suns as they continue to build chemistry and refine their play style, with promising talent like Ighodaro and Brea leading the way.