The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Golden State Warriors All-Star guard Klay Thompson shares the lofty expectations most pundits have for Deandre Ayton.

Prior to the Warriors’ 123-103 win over the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night at Oracle Arena, Thompson lauded Ayton’s future impact on Bahamian basketball and the NBA.

“It’s huge,” Thompson said. “It’s been so many Bahamians come into the NBA the last few years, as well as the college ranks. So, to see Deandre as the No.1 pick, from a little small island just like my father almost 40 years later, it’s incredible. Deandre’s got such a bright future, he’s going to bring the big man back in the league and I’m so happy for him because he’s got all the skills. He’s got a 20-year- career ahead of him as long as he keeps his head on straight, which I know he will.”

Thompson scored 16 points but missed his initial four 3-point tries and finished 1 of 6 from deep, making him 3 for 22 through four games. He sustained what is considered a mild ankle sprain, but told head coach Steve Kerr he could have returned.

Ayton finished with his second double double of the season - 20 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. The Suns fell to 1-3.

“Klay and I, we showed love before the game and said what’s up, but other than that we were out there battling,” Ayton said.

“My mindset was just to win. The Warriors are a championship team, we wanted to focus on the details on the defensive end, they’re a high-paced team, and just really lock in on who the hot guys are on the floor. There are a lot of great shooters and a lot of great scorers on that team and they’re great defenders as well. They made a lot of contested shots, a lot of tough shots. I found myself heavily contesting Klay a few times and he still made it. They’re so quick, and it’s a high arc. It’s a big learning experience.”

It was a bounce back game for the top overall pick who finished with just five points and eight rebounds in a loss to Denver on Saturday night. He said he continues to consider each game a learning experience.

“It’s very early. Can’t just sit here and pout, you have to learn from it and move on. Every game I’ve played I’ve learned something from each game,” he said.

“From the Warriors I learned how fast we should move. Those guys are grown men and they were running faster than us so we just have to keep up with the energy, not come out slow, really lock in on defence, be vocal on the defensive end and have communication. Those guys were talking, they knew every play we were throwing at them, and we have to learn to do the same thing. I think we’ll be better off.”

The Suns hosted the Los Angeles Lakers last night at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.