The Phoenix Suns edged the Milwaukee Bucks 95-88 on Monday at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, erasing a three-point deficit in the final 2:30 minutes. After Milwaukee led 87-84, Phoenix answered with an 11-1 spurt to seal the win. The game featured nine ties and 18 lead changes, but neither side ever built a double-digit advantage.
Phoenix controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Bucks 52-39 and handing them just 15 assists to the Suns’ 22. The Suns shot 43.7% from the field and 44.1% from three-point range, while Milwaukee managed 41.8% and 37.1% respectively. Those efficiency margins, combined with the rebounding edge, kept Phoenix in position to finish strong.
Center Khaman Maluach led the Suns with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and four blocks, providing a double-double and a defensive anchor. First-round pick Koa Peat added 19 points and six rebounds, complementing Maluach’s interior work. Guard Darius Brown contributed 14 points and five assists, and rookie Koby Brea chipped in 19 points. For the Bucks, Brayden Burries topped the scoring sheet with 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Bogoljub Markovic posted 16 points and eight rebounds. Bench scorer Brandon Boston added 17 points.
The statistical profile underscores a clear identity for Phoenix: a gritty, rebounding-first approach that fuels transition opportunities and limits second-chance points for opponents. Maluach’s block-filled night and Peat’s ability to finish at the rim illustrate how the young frontcourt can protect the paint while still generating offense. The late run demonstrated that the Suns can execute under pressure, a promising sign for a squad still developing chemistry in its first summer league season.
Both clubs return to action on Wednesday. Milwaukee will attempt its first win against the Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video, while Phoenix faces the Detroit Pistons at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPNU. The upcoming matchups will provide further data points for evaluating the progress of Maluach, Peat, and the Bucks’ emerging pieces such as Burries.
