Ayton full of fouls and timidity
Grade: D
One of the major questions coming into this game was whether or not Deandre would use all the Luka-Ayton draft discussion as a motivator and play like he did in Dallas back in January when he had a season-high 31 points.
The answer to that question was no.
Ayton looked unsure, timid, and borderline nervous much of the game. The play that most exemplified this came early on. He had the ball at the top of the key and Kristaps Porzingis sagged off of him, almost daring him to shoot it. Instead of taking the open 3, he dribbled into the paint and then back out, ultimately settling for a fadeaway sideline midrange jumper.
Needless to say, it did not go in.
Those are the types of plays that are frustrating, especially now that he has shown to be capable of knocking down that 3. If it is there, he has to take it. That is a much higher percentage shot than a fadeaway sideline jumper.
Ayton missed his 3-point attempt later in the game as well as most of his standard quick-triggered elbow jumpers. He finished with just seven points and eight rebounds in only 21 foul-plagued minutes.
Once he gets in foul trouble, he plays even less-assertive than usual, which is a recipe for an underwhelming performance.