PHOENIX SUNS

Suns’ Deandre Ayton leaves game with left ankle sprain

Mar 30, 2019, 9:00 PM | Updated: 10:21 pm
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)...
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton was taken to the locker room after suffering a left ankle sprain in the third quarter of the team’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

Ayton landed awkwardly on his ankle after making a layup. The Suns ruled Ayton out for the game shortly after his departure.

It was bad fortune for the former No. 1 pick, who had racked up 17 points and 13 rebounds in 27 minutes.

With backup center Richaun Holmes out with a migraine, Dragan Bender became the only rotation player who could play center.

Ayton entered the game averaging 16.3 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game in 70 games this season.

Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas, left, shoots over Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, left, in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyler Dorsey, left, drives on Phoenix Suns guard De'Anthony Melton, right, in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley, right, drives past Phoenix Suns guard De'Anthony Melton, left, in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Memphis Grizzlies head coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks to NBA official Scott Twardoski in the first half during an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyler Dorsey, right, drives past Phoenix Suns guard De'Anthony Melton, left, in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 30, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 08:  Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns slam dunks the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 08, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Warriors defeated the Suns 117-107. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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