Duke basketball’s Maliq Brown was unable to participate in the game against Incarnate Word at Cameron Indoor Stadium due to a toe injury. Listed as day-to-day by the team, Brown is a key player for the Blue Devils, contributing an average of 3.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals over the course of nine games. This Syracuse transfer has quickly become an essential member of Duke’s rotation in his first season, highlighted by his impressive performance of six points, 11 rebounds, and three steals during the Blue Devils’ ACC season opener against Louisville.
In Brown’s absence, freshman Khaman Maluach took advantage of the situation, stepping up with a remarkable career-high of 17 points and seven rebounds, helping Duke secure a commanding 72-46 victory against Incarnate Word. Head Coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged the team’s reliance on Brown, providing updates after the game. He confirmed that Brown’s injury—a sprained toe sustained in the Louisville matchup—was thoroughly evaluated, indicating that while he is expected to recover, the timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Duke’s next challenge will be against George Mason at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 17, where they hope to have Brown back in action, further solidifying the team’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
This situation highlights both the challenges of injuries in sports and the resilience of both the player and the team. The emergence of Maluach as a strong contributor demonstrates that every setback can lead to new opportunities for growth and success. Fans can remain optimistic as the Blue Devils continue to adapt and develop, building a strong foundation for their upcoming games.