Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns fall in NBA Finals

MILWAUKEE, WI – Despite taking an early 2-0 lead in the series Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns didn’t have enough as they dropped the series to Milwaukee. 

Making their first NBA Finals appearance in 28 years, it seemed like destiny for the Phoenix Suns, especially as former Wildcat Deandre Ayton helped propel the Suns throughout the playoffs, seemingly hitting his peak at the right time too.

Things even looked promising at first as the Suns took a commanding 2-0 in the NBA Finals, and virtually had five games left in the series to just win two games.

Arizona Wildcats

Unfortunately, that optimism quickly dissipated as the Suns fell in game three and in game four in Milwaukee, and then returned home to Phoenix, blowing a 16-point first-quarter lead and falling in game five to the Bucks.

Now down 3-2 in the series, Phoenix returned to Milwaukee for a pivotal game six in the NBA Finals.

From the start the Suns were lackluster, missing open looks and playing timidly, they fell behind early, trailing 29-16 after the first quarter.

However, in the second quarter, they would finally come to life. Showing signs of being that team we saw in game one and game two, Phoenix outscored Milwaukee 31-13, even taking a 47-42 halftime lead.

Then the second half happened and former Wildcat Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns got outplayed, ultimately falling in game six of the finals.

Being outscored 35-30 in the third quarter and tied at 87-87 entering the fourth, Phoenix would have one last opportunity to try and steal this game and get the series back to Phoenix.

Unfortunately, for the Suns Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks took over, outscoring the Suns 28-21 in the final quarter, officially winning game six by a 105-98 final.

Ayton would have a bit of an underwhelming game, registering just 12 points and six rebounds on 4-12 shooting. He would finish the series averaging 14.7 points, 12.0 points, and 1.5 blocks per game.

While the series didn’t quite go the way the Suns had hoped, however, there is still optimism in the Valley. The Suns’ core is largely comprised of young players between the ages of 22 and 25, and should this group stay together, perhaps they could finally bring home a championship to Phoenix.