Tied in a 1-1 series having just lost both game two and their franchise player for at least the next two games, Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton promptly rose to the occasion in the Phoenix Suns’ latest playoff victory.
This is nothing new for the former part of this tandem, as Paul has a propensity for timely and resounding outbursts, the likes that, especially on this playoffs stage and even more-so on the road, attest to the future Hall of Famer’s cerebral and downright legendary status in the league.
For the latter, this became a career-moment, as Ayton (with pending contract discussions and looming questions about sustainability of the level of play he’s shown since November) displayed skill, dependability, composure, comfortability, and growth on a stage where the lights shine the brightest.
Tonight was the first time Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton both scored 25+ points in the same game.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 23, 2022
Knowing they’d be sans Booker for at least the next two games, there was a December game that I felt would serve as a template for what we’d see.
It was spot on.
You put two and two, or in this case, 3 and 22 together, mix in a little playoff adversity and bad weather in the form of injury, and the perfect storm was created.
How Suns Big Deandre Ayton Stepped up Big Time
In a 114-111 road win during Game 3, where there were 15 lead changes and 14 ties, the Suns were led by Ayton and his 28 points. He shot 13-20, leading the Suns in attempts, and included 17 boards, three steals, and a block.
The fourth year Arizona product scored in every way his shot profile has suggested he could this season. From the post on set plays (on either block), from three at the top of the key, out of triple threat, rim running in transition, from the high post, on the short-roll, on the traditional roll, off-script in creating for himself acting as the centric point of the offense, as well as sealing in transition.
He displayed the wherewithal and…
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