His way Phoenix Sans In these Playoffs 2023 it is full of stones. From the outside, the picture doesn’t look so negative. Almost uncontested victory (4-1) against Clippers and in the next round they are ready to draw with the first team of the West (2-1 before the fourth game). If we add to this the fact that they have Kevin Durant, The reading should be upbeat and positive.
And yet it is not.
And it’s not because of collective performance from those of Monty Williams, whose problems developing a fluid and solid game have so far left mixed feelings. Chris Paul’s recent injury aside, a lot of the Suns’ problems have to do with Deandre Ayton.
One of the keys to success today lies in having an original interior able to protect the rim in a high level and perform at good rates on the other side of the field. In an era where the offense is dominated by forwards, the weight of these giants in the offensive scheme is rather reduced. In such a way that the ball has to spend some time in their hands and they cannot afford a moment of rest, on the contrary.
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After being a fundamental piece to the Suns’ success during their first two forays into the playoffs, in this third Ayton’s role has been more unclear. Whether due to Durant’s arrival or chemistry, the reality is that the Bahamas His contribution has decreased significantly. going from 16.6 units with 65.2% accuracy to 14.0 with 54.8% success rate of bothincluding a dismal 52.6% from free (69.8% previously).
Such is the weight loss of the 2018 draft pick in the Monty Williams scheme that in the crucial closing game of the third game, the coach opted to enter the “unknown” Jock Landale and its effect was felt. So much so that the Australian’s performance has opened up the debate over who should be the Suns’ starting five heading into the rest of the series against the Nuggets.
Jock Landale, the perfect interior for Booker and Durant
In the 22 minutes Jock Landale played in game three, he managed to collect 6 points on 3-of-3 attempts, 9 rebounds and 1 steal. In contrast, Deandre Ayton needed 6 shots to add 4 points, matching the rebounds, steals and blocks. Beyond rim-seeing efficiency, which is subjective and subject to context, advanced stats showed the Suns posted a +19.6 net score best with Australian on court vs -7.1 for Bahamas in third match.
An example that is not an exception, but seems to be the trend of this series for Phoenix:
- Ayton on the field: -10.7 from net score in 89 minutes
- Landale on the field: +3.7 from net score in 38 minutes
Why does this Australian giant do so well against the Denver Nuggets? Because he hardly needs to engage aggressively to be a player who leaves his mark on the field. Landale is used to having a more than residual role, taking what the rest leave him and, at most, receiving and executing. On the other hand, it is Ayton’s counterpoint in terms of intensity and performance, giving the maximum to every action:
Whether it’s motivation or ability, the reality is the Suns are better off with Landale on the floor, at least in this tie. The former Zalgiris and Partizan player has exceeded his role in a positive way to give Booker and Durant just what they needed: an interior without fancy decorations but effective.
If it is necessary to block and not receive the ball on 9 out of 10 possessions, he Australian it will do so without losing an iota of intensity. If you have to put together a much superior Jokic, he will, leaving him with 6 points and 5 assists on 30 possessions to 53 and 12 respectively with Ayton.
Ayton’s lack of definition without Chris Paul by his side
It’s no secret that the great reason deandre ayton took off in the 2020-2021 season due to his arrival Chris Paul. With the veteran point guard at his side, the Bahamas found a path to follow, a guide to mark his steps and indicate how he should respond at all times. Every young NBA player needs a role model to listen to and PC3 it was for Ayton from the start, even despite the misgivings others like Williams and Booker seemed to have.
However, After the point guard’s injury, the interior has taken several steps back. His biggest problem is positioning on the pitch, as without Paul by his side he couldn’t find his place and consequently fell out of the system.
Ayton’s defensive gaps have been consistent in his career, maybe only if you want to be a little harsh, but in these Playoffs they are increasing dangerously:
Against this Nikola Jokic there is almost no response in the current NBA, but there is an ocean of distance between allowing the opposing star to score and letting him play his game without an opponent.
Deandre Ayton runs the risk of falling for the latter.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
