OUCH: Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton grabs his foot after being injured during the second half against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The Raptors won 123-114. (AP Photo/Matt York)
By RENALDO DORSETT
Tribune Sports Reporter
rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
A NAGGING ankle injury continues to limit Deandre Ayton as the Phoenix Suns got more bad news during their four-game losing streak.
Ayton went down with the injury at the 2:50 mark in the fourth quarter of the Suns’ 123-114 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Talking Stick Resort Arena on Tuesday night.
The second year centre limped to the locker room under his own power but did not return.
Ayton finished with a double double - 13 points, 14 rebounds - and three blocked shots in 39 minutes.
Following the loss, Suns head coach Monty Williams told reporters Ayton underwent an MRI.
However, the results were not disclosed. He was ruled as doubtful for Friday night’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ayton dismissed any concerns that he would miss time despite moving around on crutches and in a walking boot.
“It feels the same as all the other ones. It’s the same feeling. I’m just used to it now,” he said to reporters postgame. “Every single one ended in a crutch, you guys just didn’t see me on the crutches.”
Ayton is averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 54 per cent from the field in 30 games this season.
According to Basketball Reference, his player efficiency is ranked at No.35 in the league at 20.5.
The Suns lost their fourth consecutive game, but Ayton said it was not from a lack of effort on the defensive end. “I think we were playing defence pretty well as a team, we just got too comfortable giving them the offensive boards. It gave them confidence and second-chance baskets and we know how that is.
“Running back on defence, I think we all ran back on defence, did that, they’re a fast-paced team. We talked, showed different defensive coverages and I think we did that,” he said.
“I was getting caught up getting called for three seconds and I was there trying to speed up the shot, they got me on the nose with a few of those and I was rushing a few times down low. I know I’m a big guy but dudes swipe at me too.”
Ayton has missed time this season with a 25-game suspension due to violating the NBA’s substance abuse policy.
He also missed seven games this season due to the injured ankle.
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