Khaman Maluach Faces Major Test Defending Nikola Jokic in NBA Cup Play

Phoenix Suns sophomore center Khaman Maluach faces a major test Friday night defending Nikola Jokic as Phoenix opens NBA Cup group play against the Denver Nuggets. With Mark Williams ruled out and Oso Ighodaro questionable, Maluach will be heavily relied upon in the paint. Phoenix hopes to let Maluach defend Jokic on an island to limit the MVP's playmaking and rebound effectively on defense.