Deandre Ayton and Suns on verge of Western Conference Finals

DENVER, CO – Following another dominant performance, Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns are just one win away from the Western Conference Finals.

Chris Paul finished with 27 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, Devin Booker finished with 28 points and six rebounds, meanwhile, former Wildcat Deandre Ayton added with 10 points and 15 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns came away with the 116-102 game three victory.

So far this postseason, Ayton has had a monstrous role. Doing it on both ends of the floor, the Bahamian big man is averaging 15.6 points and 11.0 rebounds on 72.9 percent shooting through nine games as the Suns are 7-2 in the playoffs.

Arizona Wildcats

However, the biggest challenge presently facing Ayton is his matchup with the NBA’s MVP Nikola Jokic. So far he has been up to the challenge, limiting him the Serbian big man, as well as neutralizing Denver’s offensive attack.

In this series alone, Jokic is averaging 26.0 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Those totals are mostly under his regular-season averages, and best yet, Jokic is shooting just 46.4 percent from the field (28.6 percent from three). A stark contrast from his 60.2 percent shooting from this field this season.

With Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals, the challenge will still be one for the former Wildcat.

With the victory in Denver last night, Phoenix is currently 3-0 in the Western Conference Semi-Finals against the Denver Nuggets, one win away from the Western Conference Finals.

For being just 22 years old and playing in his first NBA Playoffs, Ayton has been a sight to see, proving to many why he was highly regarded coming out of Arizona. However, with the Suns in a great spot in this series, now is not the time for him to get complacent.

Should the Suns advance, they will have another big matchup against the Utah Jazz or the Los Angeles Clippers waiting.

Here’s a recap of Ayton’s matchup against Jokic…