PHOENIX SUNS

Suns’ Deandre Ayton beats LaVine in 1st round of NBA2K tournament

Apr 3, 2020, 6:52 PM | Updated: 9:30 pm

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)...

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Deandre Ayton came to play Friday night.

The Phoenix Suns big man took down Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine 57-41 in the first round of the NBA2K20 players-only tournament. Ayton played with the Houston Rockets, and LaVine used the Miami Heat.

Ayton entered the matchup as a 10 seed, while LaVine was a seven seed. The seeds were based on the players’ 2K ratings.

The center had the upperhand early on, taking a 18-9 lead after a quarter of play. But LaVine hung around in the second, cutting the deficit to 26-24 at the half.

Ayton would extend the lead in the third quarter, leading LaVine 42-37 before locking down in the fourth quarter. Allowing just four points, Ayton cruised to the Round 1 victory.

Not only was the game close through much of the contest, the duo provided some interesting commentary for the fans tuning in from home.

From Shaq Harrison to pumped up basketballs being a problem to dunk contests, the pair had plenty to talk about.

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Ayton will look to keep his winning ways intact in Round 2. He will take on either Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (15-seed) or Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (two-seed).

Suns guard Devin Booker (five-seed) is set to take on Micheal Porter Jr. (15-seed) on Sunday.

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