Deandre Ayton Playing Bigger, Faster, Stronger
The Phoenix Suns’ 120-109 statement win last night against the Sacramento Kings was headlined by the heroics of Deandre Ayton.
In 37 minutes, Ayton put up an impressive 29 points and 11 rebounds. It was his fifth double-double in six games and was the eighth out of his last nine games where he scored at least 20 points.
Ayton again showed up on the box score, yet it was his physicality that showed up more than anything.
“I think he is starting to understand how strong he is.” Monty Williams said following the game.
“There were a number of times when he got the ball – some would say too high in the pocket – and he would take a dribble or two and hit (Damontas) Sabonis in the chest. Those are two big strong guys; they were just banging each other all night long. I thought he made quick decisions, but he also made the right reads and swinging the ball to the back side. Anytime those two get after each other it is a heavyweight fight. I thought DA (Deandre Ayton) did a really good job of taking the physicality to Sabonis.”
The matchup between Ayton and Sabonis certainly was a heavyweight battle, as Williams perfectly put it. Sabonis basically matched Ayton’s stat line with 24 points and 15 rebounds but it was Ayton and the Suns who won the war with a victory. Despite a physical game between the two centers, there is still a ton of respect on both sides.
“He is an All-Star, man,” Ayton said. “You saw me walking in pre-game. I was watching film on him. First thing I said is, ‘That’s an All-Star, man; I got to lock in.’ Seeing how he runs the team; he is a big part of it. Just ‘3’ (Chris Paul) and Book (Devin Booker) putting me in positions to put pressure on the rim against them as well. Made it much easier to protect the rim and be more vocal out there because everything was in rhythm.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Ayton is really starting to perfect his craft. He is both a strong shooter from mid-range and dominant when he wants to be when occupying the post. Ayton has been recently been using all elements of his game and is showing the extremely high potential that he possesses.
“He is making it tough on them,” Devin Booker said. “They want to be up and show those blitzes, or halfway blitzes. He is getting a hit on our man and he is finding the open space. You know how he is in that mid-range to little paint area: automatic. We try to play to everyone’s strengths; that is one of his. When he has space in that pocket, it is money.”
Ayton is on pace to have his best season as he is currently averaging a career high 18.8 points this season and is averaging a double-double for what would be the fifth straight season.
When Kevin Durant comes into the fold, it should get even better for Ayton since he will have more open looks and opportunities to shine.
Ayton’s surge is a great sign for Phoenix and fans who hope this is the year they can go all the way.
