Suns’ Khaman Maluach making 1st NBA start vs. Mavericks
The Suns inserted rookie center Khaman Maluach into the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.
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The Phoenix Suns inserted rookie center Khaman Maluach into their starting lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The 7-foor-1 rookie out of Duke had not yet started an NBA game, but with Mark Williams sitting for the second night of a back-to-back, the Suns opted to keep Oso Ighodaro coming off the bench and try something different.
Maluach received his longest NBA runway in March with Williams having missed most of the month with a foot injury.
From March 5-30, the rookie averaged 14.3 minutes per game and contributed 4.4 rebounds (1.6 offensive boards), 1.1 blocks and 4.6 points per game.
Maluach has hardly played in the three games since Williams returned.
The Suns have clinched a spot in the play-in tournament and are holding off the Los Angeles Clippers for the seventh seed. Phoenix entered Wednesday two games ahead of Los Angeles with three to play and the division record tiebreaker still undetermined.
In a 119-105 loss to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, rebounding was a major issue. The Rockets grabbed 24 offensive boards and out-rebounded the Suns 55-34.
Suns-Mavericks lineups
Maluach entered the lineup alongside Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin and Jalen Green.
The Mavericks rolled out a starting five of Cooper Flagg, Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, Max Christie and Ryan Nembhard.
The game will air on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app at 7 p.m. MST on Wednesday night.
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Comments
11 Comments
Marvin Bagley III score 20 on 8 of 11 and 3 of 6 from three; 8 boards, two dimes and a blocked shot. Mavs already have Gafford and Lively. Bagley an unrestricted free agent this summer. Perhaps Brian Gregory and lure him to Phoenix with the hope of actually playing. I'd pay him the money they had planned on signing Mark William's with.
Bout time. My eyes will be on Kman and if see how he handles the ball. He doesnt have strong or soft hands, so I am hoping with more consistent playing time he might relax and play with more confidence and handle the ball better. I do like his effort and wingspan.
My thoughts too. I would of thought guys like Oso, KMan and Dunn would have better ceilings offensively.