DeAndre Ayton had a big task of guarding Anthony Davis in his first NBA playoff game. The Suns center was able to outperform the Lakers star in terms of scoring but also made him struggle offensively.
In a battle between the two former number one draft picks, Ayton had 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Davis finished the game with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists.
After the game, Suns head coach Monty Williams was asked about Ayton’s performance. “To play in his first playoff game and have that kind of production on the offensive end, have 16 rebounds.
“I thought DA was pretty sound as far as not going for pump-fakes and having to stick hand up. Anthony [Davis] missed some shot but I thought DA did a really good job of just trying to stay in front of him. He’s an all-world player. So DA’s gonna have to be even better in Game 2. We know what we’re gonna face when we play these guys again.”
