Following the Suns’ Game One loss to the Denver Nuggets to open up the Western Conference Semifinals, a video quickly spread of Deandre Ayton, more specifically, the lack of aggression from Ayton.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ayton finished the game with just seven rebounds, while Nikola Jokić had more offensive rebounds than the entire Suns’ roster.
But, it was this play that stood out more than anything else. The Suns were trailing by 10 in the second quarter.
The Suns don’t have much of a chance this series against Denver if Deandre Ayton has moments like this.
Simply inexcusable to watch your teammates fight for a loose ball while standing on the baseline. pic.twitter.com/gD09a1icHe
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 30, 2023
While the Nuggets did come up empty on the possession, Jokić had five put-back attempts while Ayton stood on the sideline as a spectator.
Fans were left in disbelief, many putting the loss on Ayton’s hands, as this was not the only example of his lack of aggression throughout the game.
After the loss, Ayton spoke on the physicality and noted that “we’re gonna be a complete different team in Game 2.”
Deandre Ayton on the Suns being more physical in Game 2: “We’re gonna be a complete different team in Game 2. I can tell you that. The physicality is gonna turn up a notch.” pic.twitter.com/Npz3mdbe6P
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 30, 2023
Head coach Monty Williams also spoke about what it means to the team when Ayton plays with the high energy that the team knows he can bring.
“A lot of it for him is, when he plays with that aggression and force, it actually energizes the team.”
Monty Williams on what he’s looking for when it comes to Deandre Ayton playing with the type of force that was missing in Game 1: pic.twitter.com/QAXzk7jB2g
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 30, 2023
The Suns will have a chance to even up the series before heading back home, as Game 2 will tip off at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
