Latest news with #OsoIghodaro
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix Suns resting Khaman Maluach, three more players in NBA Summer League finale
The Phoenix Suns are resting Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro and rookies Khaman Maluach and Koby Brea for their final 2025 NBA Summer League game Saturday, July 19, against the Portland Trail Blazers at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas The Suns (1-3) have lost their past three games in Vegas while the Blazers are 3-1 through four games. Second-round pick Rasheer Fleming is set to play. He missed the first two games with right knee soreness, but has played the past two. He's scored seven points in each game. Fleming will get the start along with Boogie Ellis, Khalif Battle, Moses Wood and CJ Huntley. Ighodaro played in the first four games for the Suns, averaging 12.3 points on 57.1% shooting and 8.5 rebounds. Dunn, Maluach and Brea have each seen action in three games. Dunn has led the team in scoring at 14.7 points a game. Shooting 48.5% from the field, Dunn has made 37.5% of his 3s. Dunn appeared to hurt his left foot or ankle in the third quarter of Wednesday's loss to Minnesota, but played through it in the fourth. Maluach, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft, is averaging 10 points on 35.7% shooting in Vegas. The 7-footer averaged 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 shots a game. Brea sat out Wednesday with a left thumb sprain after injuring it Phoenix's previous game against Atlanta. The second-round pick averaged 12 points, shooting 42.9% from 3 in his three games. Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@ or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin. Support local journalism: Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns resting Khaman Maluach, three more in NBA Summer League finale
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Game Recap: Oso Ighodaro keeps shining, but the Summer Suns can't get out of their own way in 98-80 loss
The Phoenix Suns dropped their first game of Summer League on Sunday afternoon, falling to the Atlanta Hawks 98–80 despite another strong showing from Oso Ighodaro. The second-year big man posted 18 points and 9 rebounds, continuing to flash the polish and poise that made him a standout in game one. But he also committed 5 turnovers, part of a broader issue for the Suns that proved costly. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of Ryan Dunn, Khaman Maluach, or Rasheer Fleming, the disappointment hit early. All three were ruled out ahead of tip-off. Advertisement Atlanta's first-round pick Asa Newell impressed, going 7-of-9 from the field for 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Hawks had four starters in double figures, dominating the interior and outmuscling Phoenix on the boards 46–34. The second-chance points told the story: Atlanta had 14 to Phoenix's 4, and outscored the Suns 40–26 in the paint. Koby Brea came out strong again, scoring 15 points, but cooled off in the second half, going just 2-of-9 after starting 4-of-5. Yuri Collins chipped in 12 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds, bringing steady energy, but Phoenix's 17 turnovers and stagnant half-court offense allowed the Hawks to take control. One bright spot? The Suns pushed the pace effectively, winning the fastbreak battle 22–10. But overall, this was a game where missed opportunities and poor rebounding sank any chance at staying undefeated. Oh well, it's the Summer League. Game Flow First Half The Summer Suns came out blazing, hitting five of their first seven shots to open the game, sparked by four quick points each from backcourt duo Yuri Collins and Khalif Battle. Advertisement Defensively, the energy was just as evident. The Suns were disruptive, clogging passing lanes, diving for loose balls, and making life uncomfortable for the Kings early. Coupled with a clear emphasis on pace and transition, it feels like we're beginning to see the early fingerprints of the institutional shift Brian Gregory promised. A new identity, forged in effort and tempo. But the Suns' hot start quickly fizzled. The offense lost its rhythm, finishing the first quarter just 2-of-10 from the field after that early burst. Atlanta took full advantage, closing the quarter on a dominant 13-0 run. After one, the energy had shifted. Hawks 30, Suns 17. The Suns opened the second quarter with a spirited 9–2 run, sparked by renewed energy and sharper execution. Oso Ighodaro chipped in four of those points, helping Phoenix trim the deficit and inject some life back into the game. Advertisement Koby Brea continued to turn heads with an offensive game that's quickly proving to be more than just spot-up shooting. He wasn't merely catching and firing. He was attacking defenders, fading away under pressure, curling off screens, and navigating tight space with polished footwork. In a clunky first half where the Suns coughed up the ball 12 times, Brea stood out as the clear bright spot, scoring 8 points on an efficient 4-of-5 from the field (none from deep) while adding 4 rebounds. But as the half wore on, the Suns fell into a familiar Summer League trap: guards over-dribbling, hunting highlight stats instead of flowing with the offense. Movement stalled. The Hawks made them pay, racking up 4 blocks in the first half alone and halting Phoenix's momentum. Still, Phoenix showed signs of life in the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta 19–18 and closing the gap. At halftime, the Hawks led 48–36. Second Half The Hawks returned the favor to open the third, ripping off a 9–2 run that ballooned the lead back to 19. The Suns' defense wasn't just a step slow; it looked stuck in mud. Late rotations, sluggish switches, and delayed reactions let Atlanta dictate the pace and pick apart the gaps. Advertisement But then came a pulse. Phoenix answered with a 12–0 run of their own, sparked by Oso Ighodaro. Still without a reliable jumper, what he lacks in shooting, he makes up for with feel. His basketball IQ was on full display, anchoring the defense, making smart cuts, and playing with purpose. He started imposing himself more physically, using his athleticism to disrupt Atlanta's rhythm. With Ighodaro and Koby Brea catching a breather late in the quarter, rookie Alex Schumacher stepped up. The Seattle product gave the Suns a jolt off the bench, scoring six quick points, capped by a buzzer-beating bucket to close the frame. Phoenix poured in 30 points in the third while holding the Hawks to 24, trimming the deficit to just six. Advertisement End of three: Atlanta 72, Phoenix 66. Koby Brea and Oso Ighodaro are quietly building something. There's a rhythm between them, a two-man game that's starting to hum with purpose. Oso initiates, putting the ball on the floor, probing the defense, and more often than not, he's looking for Brea. Sometimes it ends with a clean perimeter look for Brea, who's proven he doesn't need much space to let it fly. Other times, it's a quick give-and-go, with Brea zipping it back to Oso for an easy finish inside. It's early, but it's the kind of chemistry you don't fake. It's instinctual. And it's something the Suns can build on. The three-pointers stopped falling for Phoenix in the fourth quarter. Despite generating clean looks, the shots just wouldn't drop. The Suns went 2-of-9 from deep in the final frame, and the momentum they had clawed back in the third evaporated. Advertisement Atlanta took full advantage, pulling away with a 26–14 fourth quarter and sealing an 18-point win, 98–80. The Suns had their chances, but the shooting went cold, the turnovers piled up, and the Hawks closed the door with authority. Up Next The summer rolls along as the Summer Suns play the Summer Kings tomorrow at 7:00pm. On their roster? Maxime Raynaud, a name Suns fans should remember. He was one of the prospects we studied closely leading up to the NBA Draft, ultimately taken 42nd overall, just one pick after Koby Brea. Joining him is the Kings' first-rounder Nique Clifford, selected 24th overall. Both are expected to get significant run in Summer League as Sacramento evaluates how their youth fits into the broader vision. Advertisement We shall see you then, Bright Siders. Listen to the latest podcast episode of the Suns JAM Session Podcast below. Stay up to date on every episode, subscribe to the pod on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, Castbox. Please subscribe, rate, and review. More from
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix Suns' Ryan Dunn can't wait to 'talk smack,' compete against Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns wing Ryan Dunn and big Oso Ighodaro felt the Kevin Durant trade to their core. They were Durant's rookies last season and learned a great deal from the all-time great. 'That's a brother to me, man,' Dunn said. 'That's not even a teammate no more. That's a guy I love and I appreciate.' The Suns dealt Durant before the 2025 NBA Draft and landed Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft that ended up being Duke freshman 7-footer Khaman Maluach. Advertisement "He was such a great teammate, great leader for us," Ighodaro said about Durant. "It was great just to be able to say I was his teammate and learned a lot from him, me and Ryan. Talked to him a little bit since he's left. I wish nothing but the best for him." Dunn said he worked out with Durant in Los Angeles this summer and later spent time at his house. 'We built that relationship,' Dunn said. 'I wish him the best in Houston. I'm excited to go compete against him and talk some smack to him now, but it's someone I can always turn to and learn from, so I wish him the best as well.' Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@ or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin. Advertisement Support local journalism: Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns' Ryan Dunn hyped about competing against Kevin Durant after trade
Reuters
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Thunder give G Ajay Mitchell multi-year deal
July 7 - After winning an NBA title in his rookie season, guard Ajay Mitchell received a multi-year contract extension from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Financial terms were not disclosed, but reports indicate Mitchell received a three-year, $9 million deal. Mitchell, 23, was selected 38th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, who traded him to the Thunder for fellow draft pick Oso Ighodaro. Mitchell proceeded to appear in 36 games and make one start for Oklahoma City in the regular season. He averaged 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 49.5 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from 3-point range. Mitchell got into 12 games during the Thunder's playoff run and four games in the NBA Finals, where they beat the Indiana Pacers. Mitchell averaged 3.4 points in 7.0 minutes off the bench. Mitchell, from Belgium, played college basketball for UC Santa Barbara. He averaged 20 points in his third and final season with the Gauchos. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The 22-year-old NBA rookie with big offseason plans: Burritos, besties and basketball
Oso Ighodaro just wrapped up his rookie NBA season with the Phoenix Suns, but the Arizona native isn't exactly off the clock just yet. The 22-year-old is entering his first professional offseason and looking to his more seasoned teammates for guidance on what he should be doing now to help him thrive when he's back on the court. 'I view recovery as a long-term thing,' Ighodaro tells me during an interview for Yahoo Life's OT Diaries. 'Right now, I'm young, and my body may feel good even after I play a game or the next day or whatever. But all year, I've just been asking questions to the older guys like, 'What do you wish you would have done at this point in your career to help maintain your body when you're older?'' And with veterans like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Tyus Jones on the Suns roster, Ighodaro is learning from the best — and he's been paying attention to their game-winning habits all season long. 'All the little things that they do on road trips or at home to take care of their bodies … I'm trying to implement those things into my routine,' he says. I had to ask: What's on his agenda for this summer? It all starts with soaking up some morning sun — and maybe installing a cold plunge. Here's what else he told me. Congratulations on your first NBA season! Is there anything that you're most looking forward to this offseason? Definitely just spending a lot of time with my friends and family. Even though my family lives in Arizona, the season is so long and I travel so much that I don't really get to spend as much quality time as I would like with them. So I'm going to spend a lot of time with my loved ones. I want to travel a little bit. I have some stuff planned to see my people, and then definitely just work on my personal development and my basketball development. So just trying to have a good summer, growth-wise. I'm curious about your desire to get away because you do a lot of traveling during the season as it is. Do you ever just want to chill at home? The travel during the season definitely doesn't feel the same as a vacation, so I try to mix it up a little bit. And during the offseason, you kind of get into a different routine with your workouts and your lifts [weightlifting sessions] all throughout summer. So even working out in other states or different locations helps to mix up the scenery so you don't get stagnant. The offseason allows you to relax a little bit while still working hard because you don't have as many time commitments. But with my free time, I'll relax a lot more and just chill. Are you going to be sleeping more? I already try to get my eight hours every night. Especially on game days, I'll get those eight hours, and then I usually take, like, an hour and a half nap before I head to the arena. I'm pretty strict with that routine. I'm actually trying to clean off my patio this summer and try to start my mornings outside, getting morning light. I've read a lot about that and how beneficial that can be. So that's something that I'm going to try to implement this summer — not sleeping in crazy late and starting my mornings like that. But I definitely want to try to maintain my eight hours of sleep. I love the idea of some morning light. Would you add a sauna or cold plunge out there? Yeah, for sure. A lot of my older veteran teammates have cold plunges at their houses and use those daily. So that's something I'm looking into in the long run. They are kind of expensive, so I want to research and make sure that I get a high-quality one. Right now, I've just been using the cold tub as my cold plunge. What will your training schedule look like to make sure you're staying in basketball shape? Last summer, while I was with the Suns, it was usually an hour on court and then a lift. I would usually go work out with my trainer in the afternoon on top of that. So about two court sessions and a weight room session every day. That sounds like a lot! Are there workouts that you like doing outside of basketball? I actually started swimming last summer. There's a lap pool at my apartment complex, so I started doing that for extra conditioning. I really enjoyed that, so I'm definitely going to continue. Are you as consistent with your nutrition in the offseason as you are with workouts? Yeah, pretty consistent. Obviously, if I'm hanging out with friends or we're going to eat somewhere, I'll definitely be less strict in the offseason. But usually, I just try to avoid fried foods 'cause those types of foods don't make my body feel great. I usually have a pretty solid routine, and luckily, one of my favorite restaurants makes fresh food that makes you feel good. It's a place called Rubio's, right by the practice facility, that I get multiple times a week. It's one of my favorite restaurants since I was a kid. So having a favorite restaurant that is also healthy, clean food is definitely a blessing. You seem to have a lot of plans with friends. Do you prefer spending your downtime with others or by yourself? I love being around people. I think one thing people don't realize about the NBA season is that you're actually alone a lot of the time. You're with [your teammates] a lot, and especially during long road trips, so on those days off you're typically by yourself. So I definitely spent a lot of time by myself. In the offseason, I want to surround myself with as many friends and family that I usually don't get to hang around during the season. That's what I'm looking forward to. So the offseason really is your social season? For sure. And luckily, a lot of my close friends are former teammates and also athletes, so I can spend time with them and work out. You kind of get that two-for-one, which is nice. Basketball really is life for you, isn't it? How long do you think you'll go without picking up a basketball? Man, I'm trying to think of the longest time I've taken off. Going from my senior year at Marquette to this year, I didn't have an offseason. So I think I took maybe a week off after the season last year and then straight into predraft. So it's kind of a year-round thing. But this year, I'll probably take two weeks off after the season. Let's get into some rapid-fire questions real quick. If you could only eat one food, what would it be? Oh, definitely a Rubio's burrito. That's not a question. If you could only drink one beverage, what would it be? I'll stick with water, my go-to. I like to just keep it water during workouts, and then afterward, I like my protein shakes, my recovery shakes, that type of thing. If you could choose one wellness treatment or activity, what would it be? I would say the BFR [blood flow restriction training]. It's a recovery tool that we use with the Suns. I use it for my knees and my quads, and it helps my body feel good. So I would definitely say that, or the hyperbaric chamber, which I did during predraft. I really enjoyed that. If you could only watch one TV show, what would it be? I'm going to have to say Power. If you could only watch one movie, what would it be? I love The Avengers.
