News Summary
The Phoenix Suns kicked off their preseason with a convincing 103-81 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Devin Booker led the charge with 24 points, while rookie Khaman Maluach made his debut. The team’s focus is on developing chemistry under new coach Jordan Ott, with Maluach’s growth being crucial for the upcoming season. Despite some missed opportunities, his performance was a positive sign for the Suns as they prepare for the regular season.
Los Angeles – The Phoenix Suns began their preseason with a commanding victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 103-81. This match marks the first of several preparatory games as the Suns gear up for the start of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, set to open on October 22 against the Sacramento Kings.
Leading the charge for the Suns was Devin Booker, who delivered an impressive performance with 24 points and seven assists. Dillon Brooks also played a crucial role in the game, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Aside from the veteran players, rookie center Khaman Maluach, the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft, made his highly anticipated preseason debut.
Khaman Maluach entered the game with just over two minutes left in the third quarter. During his 10 minutes of playtime, he scored four points, collected six rebounds, and recorded one blocked shot. His involvement on the court was marked by his ability to set effective screens and roll towards the basket.
Maluach highlighted his agility by successfully completing two alley-oops, including a notable finish over Christian Koloko. Although he demonstrated his potential, he also faced challenges, missing several key opportunities including free throws and a layup following an offensive rebound.
The preseason performance comes as the Suns focus on building chemistry within a younger and more defensive-minded roster under new head coach Jordan Ott. Maluach’s development is crucial for the Suns as they aim for greater stability in their frontcourt, especially given concerns over their less proven depth at center.
His current weight of around 263 pounds has been remarked upon positively by both teammates and coaches, suggesting that he has gained strength since the draft – a factor that could benefit his game as the season progresses. As the team looks to progress beyond the preseason, Maluach’s contributions are seen as vital in fulfilling the Suns’ ambitions for the season ahead.
Overall, despite missing some scoring opportunities, Khaman Maluach’s debut is viewed as a promising sign for his potential contributions this season and reflects the Suns’ commitment to cultivating young talent.
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: Khaman Maluach Helps Phoenix to Preseason Win
- AZCentral: Khaman Maluach Adding Weight and Muscle
- GoPHNX: Can Khaman Maluach Bring Instant Impact to Suns?
- ESPN: Khaman Maluach Profile
- Valley of the Suns: Khaman Maluach Wins Over Fans
- Wikipedia: NBA
- Google Search: Khaman Maluach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Basketball Association
- Google News: Khaman Maluach
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