I’m telling you guys, Playoff Ayton is a real thing. Not surprised one bit. Reminds me so much of a running back we had when I was a high school football coach. Would coast all season, and turn it on in the playoffs when we needed it most. Drove us all crazy lol.
solid. interestingly, i feel like this is sort of how he played in phx, but people wanted him to be a star, so it looked worse? great block in isolation on sheppard's three point shot, btw. that kind of stuff will stay in the guard's head.
Phenomenal DominAYTON game. Basically had a 20/10 + elite, engaged defense. With Luka and Austin out, this is the #2 option he has to be for us (maybe Bron found a way to stay as that 3rd option, only to Luke and Ayton instead of Luka and Austin) This is where DA can shut everyone up and get paid this summer, this is that path. It is only one game, but the Rockets don't have a counter without Adams. The only counter will be self imposed if DA loses focus. 11 defensive sequences highlighted in this thread He was a large part of why Sengun only had 3 made buckets nearly halfway into the 4th, he racked up a few more late but at that point the wind is out of the sails.
He will be crucial defensively, to limit Sengun 1-on-1, when Durant comes back and we start doubling Durant more and Sengun less.
Hopefully Reddick assigns an assistant to watch for Capela to come off the Houston bench. The G1 version of Ayton was the #1 factor in containing Sengun whereas Hayes got bullied every time and picked up bad fouls. While Ayton can minimize the gap with Sengun, he's not good enough to dominate Capela. Would love to see us match Ayton vs. Sengun and Hayes vs. Capela all game long tonight.
Good defense on Sengun (1-5 start), but what happened DA? G1 motor and engagement wasn't there tonight. That can't waver.
i tell you what. more often than not DA + Jax make for a very very solid starting Center and an average sub. I'll take it. I mean -- as a combo... if we melded and split them anew, that would be what we get back.
