Ex-Cat Deandre Ayton seeing new heights of success with Suns

Tied 2-2 in a best of seven series, former Wildcat Deandre Ayton has been tremendous in the Suns’ series against the defending champion, Los Angeles Lakers.

Coming into the playoffs, in the Phoenix Suns were going to be successful and have any chance in knocking off the defending champion, Los Angeles Lakers, former Wildcat Deandre Ayton was going to need to step up in a big way.

Just 22 years old, Ayton is in his third year in the league and is finally appearing in his first NBA Playoffs. His opponent is against a slew of veterans that either have multiple NBA Championships or playoff victories, so the challenge was going to be a great one from the very beginning.

Arizona Wildcats

Thus far, he has lived up to the hype of being the former No. 1 pick. Whether it is on defense or offense, the Bahamian big man has answered that bell.

Through four games, the No. 2 seeded Suns are tied 2-2 in the best of seven series, and this by all accounts is surprising considering that many see Phoenix as the underdog in this series.

While Chris Paul has been a major part of Phoenix’s success thus far, Deandre Ayton is right there with him, taking a major step forward in his career.

In the first four games of his playoff career, Deandre is in elite territory. Joining former greats like Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Ewing, and David Robinson, Ayton is just one of four players in the last 35 years with 75+ points and 50+ rebounds in his first four playoff games.

The veteran big man is currently averaging 19.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks all while shooting 80 percent from the field.

Now does it mean Phoenix will indeed win this series? No, not necessarily, but the former Wildcat is continuing to prove his worth and is showing the potential of being an elite big man in the NBA.

If this series has shown anything, it is that when it matters most, Ayton will show up and show out. Hopefully, this is another major step forward for him in his career that will carry over into the next season and beyond.