The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DEANDRE Ayton returned from a non- COVID-related illness with a season high scoring effort to help the league-leading Phoenix Suns avoid consecutive losses for the second time this season.

Ayton said he was expecting a minutes restriction entering Tuesday night’s contest but finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds in a season high 45 minutes in the Suns’ 11-107 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

“I feel great. Felt like that was training camp. That’s what 45 minutes feels like, I’ve never played 45,” Ayton told reporters postgame.

“I lost 10 pounds off that illness. I’m just glad it wasn’t COVID to where it’ll be a longer wait [to return to the court]. It’s locking in and having a certain mindset when you get back, giving 110 percent when you step on the floor and it got put to the test tonight.

“I caught myself in [overtime] a couple times with my hands on my knees but this is the NBA, how bad do you want it? I thought coach was going to take it easy on me, but JaVale [McGee] got in a little foul trouble, but I was on go, I was ready to show my team ‘I got y’all’”.

Ayton was sidelined for the Suns’ 111-90 win over the Boston Celtics on December 10 and a 111-95 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on December 13. Following the Clippers loss, he vowed to teammates that he would return the next game and get the team back into the win column.

“They know how I am, I talk with my chest and I mean it too. Everyone was a little down after the loss and I told them don’t worry about it, I’ll be back and we won’t lose two in a row.

“It’s the NBA it’s hard to win in this league but I had to let them know I have their back,” Ayton said.

“We were just trusting one another and playing together the whole night, it was beautiful to see. I didn’t miss anything, I just kept doing what I do when I got there on the floor.”

Ayton said his progression has included becoming a playmaker for his teammates on the floor.

“I’ve seen every coverage possible they can throw at us.

“Now it’s just me being a better basketball player, taking what the defence gives me, playing that short role, I really dissect that now,” Ayton said.

“Taking advantage of my size and my ability to pass to either corner. Me, [Chris Paul] and coach Mark Bryant, we’ve been on that. I really wanted to be more of a threat this year…you can break it off to me in the short role and I’ll be the playmaker, simple as that.”

It was Ayton’s 11th double double of the season and second game this season where he led the Suns in both points and rebounds.

“If there’s any issue I will show him the film from this game because that’s how dominant he can be,” Suns point guard Chris Paul said.

“That can be him every single night and when he plays like that it’s going to be tough to beat us.”

Ayton is averaging 16.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game on the season. Suns head coach Monty Williams applauded Ayton’s effort and productivity in his first game back while also noting his development as a playmaker.

“First game back, in my mind I’m thinking about minute restrictions, he comes back and plays 44 minutes and goes for 28 and 13,” Williams said.

“The know how, understanding where his teammates are is something that we try to work on but he, JaVale, Mark Bryant, Sticks, they work on that a ton and they work on that particular part of the floor, when Chris and Book get blitsed they have to facilitate and make plays.

“He was good at it last year in terms of finding people. Now he’s putting the ball down so much more easier and even times when they try to get a charge.”

The Suns are scheduled to host the Washington Wizards 10pm local time tonight at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.