The Phoenix Suns delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, securing a dominant 111-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Cox Pavilion in the NBA 2K26 Summer League.
Although the first half featured intense competition with several ties and lead changes, Phoenix managed to shift the game’s momentum decisively in the second quarter.
They outscored Portland 30-14 during that period and maintained control for the remainder of the contest. Their strong play continued into the second half, where a 62-48 run allowed them to seal the win with ease.
Phoenix’s success stemmed from a combination of offensive efficiency and tenacious defense. They shot 51% from the field and an impressive 42% from three-point range, far outpacing Portland, who struggled with just 40% shooting overall and 24% from beyond the arc.
The Suns also demonstrated their physical presence inside, winning the rebounding battle 43-35 and scoring 56 points in the paint compared to Portland’s 42.
Their aggressive defensive approach caused problems for the Trail Blazers, who committed 20 turnovers. Fourteen of those came via steals, many of which led to fast-break opportunities for the Suns.
Several players stood out for Phoenix. Khalif Battle led the effort with 21 points, four rebounds, and five assists, offering a well-rounded contribution on both ends of the floor.
CJ Huntley played a key supporting role, adding 18 points, nine rebounds, and contributing two steals and two blocks. Boogie Ellis also made a significant impact, tallying 19 points along with five rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Off the bench, Alex Schumacher added further depth, contributing 16 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals, helping to secure the win.
Despite the loss, Portland saw some solid individual performances. Rayan Rupert led the team with 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Dmytro Skapintsev also made notable contributions, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Caleb Love and James Bouknight added 11 and 10 points respectively.
However, the Blazers were ultimately outmatched by Phoenix’s depth, efficient shooting, and stifling defense. The Suns improved their Summer League record to 2-3 and aimed to carry this momentum into the remainder of the tournament.