“Deandre Ayton will surpass Kevin Durant and make the most efficient individual playoff run in NBA history”: Suns center’s scoring is more efficient than Kawhi Leonard and the Nets superstar’s best playoff runs

Arjun Julka | 08/07/2021
"Deandre Ayton will surpass Kevin Durant and make the most efficient individual playoff run in NBA history": Suns center's scoring is more efficient than Kawhi Leonard and the Nets superstar's best playoff runs

Phoenix Big man Deandre Ayton has been nothing but efficient from the field during the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

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.

Also read: “I’d dominate like Deandre Ayton or Brook Lopez”: Lakers center Andre Drummond blames lack of proper game time for his lowered impact this season unlike his Suns and Bucks peers

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.

On the offensive end of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Ayton has the best postseason true-shooting % in NBA playoff history.

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.

Also read: “Deandre Ayton is better than you Book!”: Chris Paul praises his big man while enjoying some light-hearted ribbing with Devin Booker

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.

Post Edited By: Amulya Shekhar
DeAndre Ayton NBA playoffs Phoenix Suns

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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