© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
TEMPE — It hasn’t taken long for rookie center Khaman Maluach to break out in the desert, delivering a performance that helped lead the Valley Suns to a 121-118 comeback win over the San Diego Clippers on Thursday.
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Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Valley trailed by 13 with four minutes left in the fourth quarter before an offensive surge lifted them to a stunning win over San Diego, giving them their third win of the season.
Maluach, the No. 10 overall draft pick from Duke, finished with 22 points, a career-high 19 rebounds and 73% shooting from the field, dominating on both ends in one of the most complete games of his young career. His impact in the G League suggests he’s shaping up to be a valuable asset for the Phoenix Suns down the line.
Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The rookie’s steady growth has been evident since being assigned to Valley earlier this season. Over his last three games, Maluach has averaged 17.3 points, 16 rebounds and 3.3 blocks. With a star-stacked Phoenix roster, he hasn’t seen many minutes at the NBA level.
However, the consistent playing time in the Valley is beginning to show results.
Oct 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) slam dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Despite a rocky start to the year and criticism from fans about sending their first-round pick to the G League, Maluach is becoming one of Valley’s leading contributors and showcasing what he can do.
It’s only a matter of time before he’s ready to do it on the bigger stage.
22 PTS 🌞 19 REB 🌞 73% FG@Suns first round pick Khaman Maluach was ON tonight for the @GLeagueSuns ! The 7.1 ft rookie scored a double-double 22 PTS with a career-high 19 REB 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tAC38o6LlZ
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 12, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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