4. Ayton looked extra bouncy
It is a difficult metric to quantify from simply watching the game, but Deandre Ayton looks extra bouncy this year. There has been a lot of talk surrounding his offseason workouts, and they seem to have worked.
The big man looked more spry for this 7’1″ frame than he did much of last year, where he sometimes seemed like he was jumping out of quicksand.
He still needs to develop a little more aggression, as he didn’t get to the free throw line once, but that is a petty complaint after a smooth 18 point and 10 rebound night.
On a side note, I’m convinced Rubio is going to throw a pass to Ayton at some point this season where Ayton doesn’t realize he is open and the ball is going to bounce off his face.