Suns big man Deandre Ayton impresses in loss to Grizzlies
Oct 27, 2018, 8:42 PM | Updated: 9:11 pm
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton walks off of the court after the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
(AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
With each game, Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton looks more and more comfortable on the court.
The score didn’t go the Suns way, but Ayton’s performance was surely a bright spot for a young Suns team missing their best player in Devin Booker.
Ayton went to work early and often in the first half.
.@DeandreAyton puts us on the board! pic.twitter.com/1j7Z5co3Kv
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 28, 2018
He went a perfect 7-for-7, scoring 14 points, as the Suns tried to keep pace with the Grizzlies.
Deandre Ayton was a perfect 7 for 7 in the first half, but he’s going to need lots of help in the second half. pic.twitter.com/hS2CdNsGWM
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) October 28, 2018
The center made the most of his 14 shot attempts, hitting 12-of-14 for 24 points and recording eight rebounds in the 117-96 loss to Memphis.
With the loss, the Suns have now lost four straight games.
Ayton was also dishing the rock, netting five assists.
Deandre Ayton shows off the passing skills! #NBARooks #TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/8ju1fSdc8J
— NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2018
.@DeandreAyton with the dish, @sip03 with the deliver. pic.twitter.com/GvAIMexuzy
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 28, 2018
The rookie’s 24 points marked a new career-high for Ayton. He’s scored at least 20 points and added at least nine rebounds in his last three games.
Through five games, Ayton is averaging 16.3 points — shooting 62.8 percent from the field — 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 blocks.
The seven-footer will look to add to his string of 20-point games when Phoenix travels to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder on Sunday.
