Phoenix Big man Deandre Ayton has been nothing but efficient from the field during the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
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It would not be wrong to say that center Deandre Ayton is one of the major reasons for the success of the Phoenix Suns this year.
The 1st overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton has stepped up and elevated his game to the next level in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
In only his first post-season appearance, Ayton is averaging 16.5 PPG, 12.2 RPG, and 0.9 BPG scoring an incredible 71.1% from the field.
Ayton’s performance in the 2021 playoffs has made him a part of history as far as shooting efficiency goes. His 71.1% FG and 71.6% TS rank the highest among players with at least 600 minutes played or 180 FGA in a single playoff run.
Suns’ big man has the potential to be one of the best centers in the NBA. Ayton’s agility and ability to rebound are one of a kind.
Deandre Ayton is Mr Effecient
The Phoenix Suns were the 2nd seed in the stacked western conference this year and clinched a playoff berth this year for the first time in 10 seasons.
The Suns have performed exceptionally well in the playoffs. Beginning with defeating the defending champions LA Lakers in the first round, followed by sweeping the Denver Nuggets in the conference semi-finals.
The Suns had tough competition from the Clippers during the conference finals but managed to beat them in 6 games, with Ayton’s game-winning dunk in Game Two being the highlight of the series.
“DA – if he throws it, you gotta try to dunk it. Okay?”
🤯 SOUND ON to hear Monty Williams in the @Suns huddle before Deandre Ayton’s game-winning tip-in!#ThatsGame #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/yCDqHmVF1L
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2021
On the offensive end of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Ayton has the best postseason true-shooting % in NBA playoff history.
On the offensive end these playoffs, Ayton has the best postseason true-shooting % (TS%) in NBA playoff history
The top 5:
1. Deandre Ayton (2021): 70.5%
2. Kevin Durant (2017): 68.3%
3. Kawhi Leonard (2021): 67.9%
4. Kawhi Leonard (2017): 67.2%
5. Kevin McHale (1988): 67.0%— wojvert (@_nba247_) July 2, 2021
The 22-year old has had the most efficient individual playoff runs in NBA history, beating the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kevin McHale.
Ayton has dominated on both ends of the floor.
So far in the playoffs, players have shot 116-303 (38.3%) while guarded by Deandre Ayton.
This includes:
Nikola Jokic: 24-59 (40.7%)
Anthony Davis: 11-29 (37.9%)
LeBron James: 8-25 (32.0%)
Paul George: 5-21 (23.8%)
Reggie Jackson: 8-29 (27.6%) pic.twitter.com/D02UbmbdiE
— The Valley Stats ☀️ (@TheValleyStats) July 2, 2021
Ayton had 22.0 points and 19.0 rebounds in Game One of the NBA Finals and shot a mind-boggling 80.0% from the field and 100.0% from the free-throw line.
Game Two of the NBA Finals takes place on Thursday at the Phoenix Suns arena.
