Suns rally to edge Blazers 81-79 in Summer League opener

Phoenix Suns rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 81-79 in the 2026 NBA Summer League opener, with Portland's DJ Steward scoring 21 and Yang Hansen adding 12 points and 9 rebounds as the lone Blazer draftee; Suns reserve Javonte Cook had 21, while 2025 pick Khaman Maluach and 2026 pick Koa Peat contributed 19 and 17. The league is testing a one-free-throw rule in Summer League, and Portland's late chance ended with Steward missing a floater as time expired; Portland next faces Orlando on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. PST.