Deandre Ayton's Development Has Him Living Up to the No. 1 Pick Hype

Both teams struggled to score in Game 4, but Phoenix was the better team when it mattered most. LA was 0-12 on game-tying/go-ahead field goals in the fourth quarter and just couldn’t get over the hump on Saturday night. Devin Booker led all scorers with 25 points, while Deandre Ayton recorded a monster game of 19 points, 22 rebounds, and four blocks. Phoenix now sits one game away from their first Finals appearance in nearly 30 years, and they’ll have the chance to do it at home in Game 5.

INTERESTING FACTS

Deandre Ayton had the most OREB (9) by a Suns player during 1 playoff GP since Charles Barkley (10) in 1993
Most REB during 1 playoff GP in Suns history: 1993 Barkley (24), 1995 Barkley (23), 2021 Ayton (22)
Suns scored the fewest PTS (84) during a win in the 2020-21 NBA season
LAC missed the most game-tying/go-ahead FGA (12) without a FGM during the 4th Qtr of a playoff game since 1996
Los Angeles Clippers scored their t-fewest 1st half PTS (36) during 1 playoff GP in franchise history
Fewest combined 4th Qtr FGM (7) during a playoff game since 2007
Lowest scoring postseason game (164 PTS) this year
1st game with fewer than 11 combined 3PM (9) all season (regular or postseason)

Odds vs. LAC: PHX -112 (Spread -1.0)
PHX Stock Price: $14.78 (via FANDEX)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

DEANDRE AYTON’S DEVELOPMENT HAS HIM LIVING UP TO THE NO. 1 PICK HYPE

COLORS KEY | FULL SUNS OUTLOOK

Deandre Ayton’s performances this postseason are showing why he was drafted first overall. CP3 and Booker combined for an inefficient shooting night in Game 4 (14-44 FG; 32%), but Ayton stepped up with 22 boards, including nine on the offensive glass, which kept possessions alive and created easy buckets to help the Suns win a crucial Game 4 in low-scoring fashion.

Ayton’s presence on the interior and improvement when switching onto quicker players like Guards and Wings has also helped him become a force on that side of the ball as well, exemplified by his four blocks on Saturday, putting Phoenix a game away from the Finals for the first time in 28 years.

The No.1 pick has been overshadowed by Luka Doncic (#3) and Trae Young‘s (#5) early excellence but Ayton is emerging as a future All-Star and potential MVP candidate in his own right. Kendrick Perkins referred to him as a modern day David Robinson which shows the high praise the former top pick is receiving amidst a breakout 2021 postseason.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Ayton’s all-around performance in Game 4

Ayton showed off the touch on this bucket 👀 pic.twitter.com/E4arzRcgSi
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 27, 2021

DEANDRE. AYTON. DOMINATION.@DeandreAyton scores 19 points while tallying #NBAPlayoffs career highs in boards (22) and blocks (4), putting the @Suns up 3-1! #ThatsGame
Game 5 – Monday, 9pm/et, ESPN pic.twitter.com/tovZKKCbpi
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2021