For the Phoenix Suns' title hopes, it was crucial that Deandre Ayton was active and involved in Game 4.
Although Deandre Ayton didn't score many points in the second half, he remained actively involved in the game, and the Suns and their supporters should take pride in that fact.
The noise may constantly reverberate in Deandre Ayton's ears, even if he chooses not to listen to it.
Deandre Ayton is the most criticized starter on the Phoenix Suns team.
Deandre Ayton was the top overall pick in the 2018 draft, and as a result, he faces exceptionally high expectations.
However, some argue that these expectations have become somewhat excessive.
Despite averaging a double-double in each of his five NBA seasons,
some fans are still clamoring for Deandre Ayton to transform into a player on the level of Hakeem Olajuwon or David Robinson,
to whom he was compared after leaving Arizona following one year of college
Although Deandre Ayton is not flawless, he is an essential part of the Phoenix Suns team.
In Game 4 of their first-round playoff series, the Suns made a conscious effort to involve him frequently,
which resulted in Ayton's increased engagement and undoubtedly satisfied the fans' desires.
The Phoenix Suns secured a 112-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena, giving them a 3-1 series lead.
While superstar players Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who combined for 61 points, will likely be the focus of most fans' memories of the game, even Chris Paul's impressive 12-point fourth quarter,
which featured a trick shot from the corner, may be overshadowed before the Suns return to the court for Game 5 on Tuesday.
Deandre Ayton's performance in the game may not receive as much recognition as it deserves, but it was noteworthy.
He secured his third consecutive double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, including four on the offensive end.
Ayton was active and focused, which is precisely what the Suns need from him.
If he can consistently bring this level of play, it should be sufficient for him to contribute to the team's pursuit of their first-ever championship.
Monty Williams, the coach of the Phoenix Suns, spoke highly of Deandre Ayton before Game 4, acknowledging his ability to make winning plays.
Although not every fan may acknowledge it, Ayton was ranked fifth in defensive rebounds and 12th in offensive rebounds during this postseason before the game on Saturday.
While his impact may not be as forceful as that of Joel Embiid, it has been significant enough to help the Suns secure a 2-1 series lead.
Deandre Ayton faced criticism after Game 3, as he was the only starter on the Phoenix Suns team to have a negative plus/minus rating,
which was minus-5. He also missed five of his nine shot attempts. Despite Los Angeles' use of a five-guard lineup due to Kawhi Leonard's absence,
Phoenix struggled to get the ball to Ayton, who had a few fumbled passes and didn't have many opportunities to make an impact.