Deandre Ayton paces Suns in 1st half despite deficit to Pistons

The Phoenix Suns offense did not get off to the best start on Friday night, shooting 42.6% in the first half against the Detroit Pistons.

Phoenix (11-6) trails Detroit (5-15) 54-53 at the halftime from Footprint Center.

Center Deandre Ayton (5-for-6) and guard Cam Payne (6-of-8) had 12 points while Devin Booker scored 13, all pacing Phoenix as double-digit scorers. Booker finished 5-of-8 with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists.

Ayton led the team with six rebounds and added one assist. Mikal Bridges struggled in the half, shooting 0-for-8 from the field.

Detroit, holding the second-worst win percentage in the league, shot 6-of-12 from three (50%) compared to the Suns’ 3-of-17 (17.6%).

Duane Washington Jr., Damion Lee and Booker were the only three players to hit a shot from beyond the arc in the half.

The Suns remain without guards Chris Paul and Landry Shamet as well as Cam Johnson due to injury.

Despite the injuries, the Suns’ bench has contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Tune to Arizona Sports 98.7, the Arizona Sports app and ArizonaSports.com for the rest of the game.