Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups Reveals Reason For Benching Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton was benched in the second half of Friday's game.

Nov 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

On Friday night, the Portland Trail Blazers were blown out by the Utah Jazz (141-99) in Oregon.

Deandre Ayton finished the loss with six points, four rebounds, one steal and two blocks while shooting 3/7 from the field in 17 minutes of playing time.

He was benched for most of the second half.

After the game, head coach Chauncey Billups was asked about the decision when he met with the media.

Reporter: "Is there a reason that D.A. only played the first two minutes of the second half?"

Billups: "I didn't like his spirit in the game."

Ayton is in his second season playing for the Trail Blazers.

The former Arizona star is averaging 14.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest while shooting 55.9% from the field in 16 games.

Via Underdog NBA: "Coach Billups on Deandre Ayton playing just two minutes in the second half Friday:

"I didn't like his spirit in the game."

Ayton is averaging career-lows in points and rebounds this season."

Coach Billups on Deandre Ayton playing just two minutes in the second half Friday:

"I didn't like his spirit in the game."

Ayton is averaging career-lows in points and rebounds this season.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) December 7, 2024

Ayton was the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Prior to his tenure with Portland, the 26-year-old spent the first five seasons of his career with the Phoenix Suns.

Nov 29, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) warms up before a game against the Sacramento Kings at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images / Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

With the loss, Portland dropped to 8-15 in their first 23 games, which has them as the 13th seed in the Western Conference.

They are in the middle of a three-game losing skid.

Following Utah, the Trail Blazers will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday in California.