The Phoenix Suns have a 3-1 lead against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. And with Kawhi Leonard likely to miss Game 5 through injury, the team will be confident about clinching the series.
One player criticized in past playoff runs is feeling extra confident. Deandre Ayton, who has been efficient and effective on the defensive end against the Clippers, is feeling good about himself.
“That’s Dominayton, man,” Ayton said playfully when asked about his impact on the game. “Just being a presence on both ends of the floor. Me rolling to the basket, I know that brings so much attention to the rim and so many guys load up on me when I’m rolling to the basket or anywhere around the basket.
“It gives those guys spaces like KD (Kevin Durant), Chris (Paul), and Book (Devin Booker), they do the rest. Just give them the space and they got it. Just being patient, playing circle ball.”
"That's Dominayton."
Deandre Ayton on impacting games in #Clippers series with screening and rebounding. #Suns pic.twitter.com/s4rTvd8Y4H
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 24, 2023
Deandre Ayton has averaged 14.8 points per game, to go along with 11.3 rebounds in the first four games of the series. He is shooting an efficient 54% from the field, and 3 rebounds per game are offensive rebounds, creating extra possessions for his team. His hustle on defense has been good to see as well, Ayton can be a winning player when he keeps himself engaged.
Deandre Ayton Knew Expectations Had Changed After The Suns Got Kevin Durant
The Phoenix Suns hadn’t been able to achieve the heights of the 2021-22 regular season this year, but Kevin Durant’s arrival changed all that. Adding a superstar like that to the roster made Phoenix instant contenders, and failure to make a deep playoff run would be a bad look for them. Ayton knew things had changed, and even he would have to step up as soon as the move was made.
“I think everybody’s competitive levels have risen a little bit,” he said at the time. “The atmosphere around the facility has, I don’t want to say, got intense, but it’s a little dense when it comes to handling business. Ain’t no more playing games. Less smiles, more seriousness.”
He has certainly been playing like that in the last three games of these playoffs. If he can continue to play his role well, he will be a huge asset for the Suns. They have three chances to clinch this series now, and Ayton needs to build up all the confidence he can before likely facing Nikola Jokic in the next round.
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