Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns centers dominate the paint in blowout win over the Warriors

By Aaron Coe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors puts up a shot against Mikal Bridges #25 and Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors puts up a shot against Mikal Bridges #25 and Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Devin Booker was the main man again for the Phoenix Suns in their 134-105 thumping of the Golden State Warriors. However, the Suns’ dominance in the paint made much of the difference in the early season statement win in a game of real fire. 

On Tuesday night, the Phoenix Suns dominated the paint and the Golden State Warriors in their 134-105 rout of the defending Champions.

Deandre Ayton active on the glass early

Fighting foul trouble as well as the Warriors for most of the evening, Ayton set the tone early for the Suns. He dominated the boards in the first half, pulling down 11 rebounds as the Suns got an early lead. Although foul trouble limited Ayton in the second half, he led all players in offensive (five), defensive (nine), and total rebounds with 14.

Ayton also chipped in 16 points, four assists, and a steal; but did not play most of the fourth quarter after picking up his fifth foul. If the game were closer, he may have returned, but the play of Jock Landale also made it easy for Monty Williams to leave his big man on the bench to end the game.

Jock Landale finding his feet with Phoenix

After missing the last-second layup that would have sent the Trail Blazers game to overtime, Landale would have been eager to make an impact for Phoenix. Fortunately for the Suns faithful, we didn’t have to wait long as just two games later, he showed the impact he can have on a basketball game.

Landale was the top scorer of the Suns bench with 17 points, equaling Jordan Poole for the most of any substitute in the game. Even more impressive than his 17 points, the Suns were +27 in the 22 minutes he played.

The Australian showed several facets of his game, hitting a couple of three-pointers, rolling strong to the bucket on the pick-and-roll, and posting up in the lane for some easy scores. He was also impressive on the defensive end where he had two blocks and showed the ability to guard multiple positions.

dark. Next. Phoenix Suns keep cool in fiery battle

After losing JaVale McGee in the summer, it seemed like the Suns might be a bit short at the center position. However, after Tuesday’s display against the defending champions, with Ayton and Landale combining for 33 points and 21 rebounds, the Suns appear more than fine in the paint.

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