1Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
April 9, 2026
Big defensive effort in first start
Maluach provided four points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt), 14 rebounds and three blocks across 30 minutes during Wednesday's 112-107 win over Dallas.
Analysis
Making his first NBA start, the rookie center didn't make much of an impression on offense, but the 19-year-old set a new career high in boards while swatting multiple shots for the fifth time in his last seven games. Maluach's minutes of late have largely depended on the availability of Mark Williams (foot), and with the Suns having locked up the seventh seed in the Western Conference and the top spot in the Play-In Tournament, the team may elect to shut Williams down for the final two games of the regular season and give Maluach a longer look.
April 9, 2026
Making first career start
Maluach will start Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.
Analysis
With Mark Williams (foot) sidelined, Maluach will get the starting nod for the first time in his NBA career. The rookie first-rounder has averaged 4.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 11.0 minutes per game across his last 10 appearances, though he'll likely see increased minutes Wednesday.