Deandre Ayton emphasized communication and team execution after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-106 on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers center finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds while anchoring the interior during a night when Los Angeles entered the game without other regular centers.
Asked about the team’s defense following another strong performance, Ayton pointed to a simple factor.
“It’s good communication,” Ayton said.
When pressed on what stood out about the defensive dialogue on the floor, the big man added, “It was just good terminology.”
Los Angeles limited Minnesota to 37-of-80 shooting from the field and 10-of-40 from three-point range. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ leading scorer, finished with 14 points on 2-of-15 shooting.
Ayton said his approach to the game was straightforward despite the strong stat line.
“I just played,” he said.
The Bahamas native was active on the glass early, recording a double-double by halftime while generating extra possessions through offensive rebounds and putbacks.
Ayton credited his teammates for recognizing opportunities once he started creating pressure around the rim.
“I mean you know just hats off to them,” Ayton said. “They found the areas where, you know, I was open and, you know, putting pressure on the rim.”
He explained the offensive spacing decisions that come from his rim presence.
“Teams got to decide whether they want the corner three or the high percentage basket,” Ayton said.
The Lakers learned shortly before tipoff that Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber would not be available, leaving Ayton as the only traditional center in the rotation.
That situation increased his responsibility, particularly during extended stretches.
“Most definitely,” Ayton said when asked if he felt additional pressure. “I know I’m the only big, so, you know, I try my best to stay out there as long as possible, especially down the stretch.”
Los Angeles improved to 40-25 with the victory, pulling even with Minnesota for fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
The win also marked the Lakers’ third straight victory over the Timberwolves, the same team that eliminated them in the first round of last season’s playoffs.
Despite consecutive wins against strong opponents, Ayton was less interested in discussing momentum.
The Lakers have now gone 13-8 this season without LeBron James and are 10-2 in games when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both play.
Los Angeles will host the Chicago Bulls on Thursday as the team continues a stretch of games against Eastern Conference opponents.
