Pelicans' Malik Dia Rises to the Occasion in Win Over Suns

Malik Dia wasn’t drafted a few weeks ago. He responded the way a lot of overlooked players hope to. He played like he had somewhere to be.

Dia matched the game high with 18 points Sunday and turned in one of the most complete performances of the afternoon as the New Orleans Pelicans knocked off the Phoenix Suns 81-75 in Las Vegas Summer League action. Coming off the bench, the undrafted forward packed plenty into his 23 minutes, finishing with eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks while committing just two turnovers. It wasn’t flashy. It was productive, physical basketball that kept showing up in the right moments.

New Orleans got control early and spent the rest of the afternoon protecting it.

The Pelicans led 16-12 after the opening quarter and created some breathing room before halftime with a 25-19 second period, taking a 41-31 advantage into the locker room. Phoenix made things interesting, winning the second half 44-40, but it never quite found the run that flipped the game. New Orleans stayed composed and knocked down key free throws late.

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Jaron Pierre Jr. added 16 points and three rebounds for New Orleans, while Kobe Bufkin finished with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, knocking down all four of his free throws. Markquis Nowell chipped in eight points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals.

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Darius Brown II matched Dia with 18 points while adding five rebounds and four assists for Phoenix. Khaman Maluach was a force inside with 15 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks, while Koa Peat scored 12 points and Rasheer Fleming added 11.

Dia may not have heard his name called on draft night. Performances like this are a pretty good way to make people remember it anyway.

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 8:02 PM.