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Deandre Ayton has been impressive for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA bubble through four games. His team is 4-0 and he's averaging 18.3 pts, 9.3 rebs, 2.0 asts, and 1.5 blks.
Here are some observations about his recent performance:
Here are some observations about his recent performance:
The Suns have attacked switching at times by utilizing Ayton's turnaround jump shooting ability. He's been highly successful from the left block.
Also, the make on the faceup jumper was intriguing to see since he struggled to convert on those before the shutdown.
Also, the make on the faceup jumper was intriguing to see since he struggled to convert on those before the shutdown.
Ayton sure gets up the floor quickly in transition for a big. This has been a great way to get an early seal on a smaller player for an easy bucket.
It also enables him to get physical with bigs he can out-muscle for positioning early in the possession.
It also enables him to get physical with bigs he can out-muscle for positioning early in the possession.
Ayton has always displayed nice touch from mid-range, but he's especially thrived from near the nail in the bubble. It hasn't mattered if a defender is contesting either.
It has been an effective way to maximize a P&R possession and capitalize on receiving the ball as a flasher.
It has been an effective way to maximize a P&R possession and capitalize on receiving the ball as a flasher.
The P&R with Cam Johnson in the weak-side corner has been lethal. Ayton has effectively identified when to slip the ball screen and Booker has smoothly dished out passes.
That last possession, Ayton had to protect the ball vs. low tag and executed a tough left-hand finish.
That last possession, Ayton had to protect the ball vs. low tag and executed a tough left-hand finish.
The Suns have utilized Ayton with some creativity in P&R at times.
-Spain P&R with Booker setting backscreen perfectly sets up lob pass to Ayton for dunk.
-P&P out of horns with two defenders on the ball with no defender accounting for Ayton's cut opened up easy cut for dunk.
-Spain P&R with Booker setting backscreen perfectly sets up lob pass to Ayton for dunk.
-P&P out of horns with two defenders on the ball with no defender accounting for Ayton's cut opened up easy cut for dunk.
Booker has been quite effective at creating some easy finishes for Ayton near the basket. Booker has capitalized on the extra attention defenses give to him and made precise passes.
Just another area where the nice synergy both players have with each other has led to results.
Just another area where the nice synergy both players have with each other has led to results.
Ayton has shown to be a jump-shooting threat as a trailer in transition. This has helped to attack bigs that stay in the paint to protect the interior in semi-transition.
Ayton has shown off his extended range by knocking down some shots from beyond the arc.
If he can make this a consistent element of his game, it's fascinating to think about his long-term potential...
If he can make this a consistent element of his game, it's fascinating to think about his long-term potential...
