Maluach, Peat Shine as Suns Defeat Pistons in NBA Summer League

The Phoenix Suns produced a strong defensive display and finished with a decisive late surge to defeat the Detroit Pistons 100-88 in a 2026 NBA Summer League contest at the Thomas and Mack Center on Wednesday.

Phoenix relied on dominant performances from its recent first-round draft picks, with Khaman Maluach leading the way. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft recorded a team-high 23 points and grabbed a game-best 15 rebounds, delivering an impressive double-double. Fellow first-round selection Koa Peat, chosen with the 30th overall pick in the 2026 draft, added 19 points to bolster the Suns’ attack.

Rasheer Fleming, a second-round pick in 2025, also made a significant contribution with 22 points, eight rebounds and a steal, while Javonte Cooke chipped in with 12 points and five rebounds.

The Suns made a fast start, building a commanding 27-13 advantage at the end of the opening quarter through aggressive defense and efficient scoring. However, the Pistons fought back steadily, trimming the deficit to just four points entering the final period and setting up a tense finish.

Phoenix responded in emphatic fashion, closing the game with an 11-1 run over the final three minutes to pull away and secure the victory. The Suns’ defensive effort proved decisive, as they limited Detroit to a combined 27 points across the first and fourth quarters. They also dominated inside the paint, outscoring the Pistons 52-36.

Detroit was led by Brice Williams, who finished with a game-high 24 points while also contributing six rebounds and four assists. Isaac Jones posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, but the Pistons were unable to match Phoenix’s defensive intensity in the closing stages.

The victory sends the Suns into Saturday’s Summer League playoff matchup, where they will face an opponent yet to be determined. Detroit, meanwhile, will return to action on Friday in a consolation game against the Miami Heat as they look to end their Summer League campaign on a winning note.

Phoenix’s balanced scoring, interior dominance and timely defensive stops ultimately proved too much for the Pistons, allowing the Suns to finish strongly and claim a convincing 12-point win.