PHOENIX — Rookie center Khaman Maluach had 10 points, 15 rebounds and three assists in 21 minutes in his first preseason start as the Phoenix Suns beat the San Antonio Spurs 102-98 on Saturday, Arizona Sports reported.
Maluach spent much of his time matched up with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who tested the rookie in isolation early. “Tonight I thought overall was his best performance,” coach Jordan Ott said.
“It’s just being able to make him take tough shots, because he’s more dangerous going to the rim than him shooting,” Maluach said.
Ott has rotated starting centers this preseason, with Oso Ighodaro opening the first two exhibitions.
Devin Booker sat out to rest after two road preseason games in five days. Booker had struggled in the preseason, shooting 33.3% from the field and 8.3% from 3-point range, Arizona Sports reported.
Forward Miles Bridges also sat out as a precaution after tweaking his ankle Wednesday against Chicago. The injury was not believed to be serious.
The Suns open the regular season Oct. 21.
Sources: Arizona Sports, Arizona Sports. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: War Department. Army Service Forces. Office of the Chief of Transportation. 3/12/1943-6/11/1946 / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
