Deandre Ayton has found a different kind of rhythm in these playoffs, and it’s coming on the defensive end.
While much of the focus has been on how the Los Angeles Lakers have slowed down Kevin Durant, the work being done inside against Alperen Sengun has been just as important.
Ayton, alongside Jaxson Hayes, has played a major role in limiting the Rockets’ All-Star big man and disrupting Houston’s offensive flow.
“It’s been fun. I’m not gonna lie, especially just having a team out there that have your back and everybody just dialed in on the defensive end,” Ayton said after Thursday’s practice. “Defensive has been fun on that end with the communication and the terminologies we’ve created in practice and the schemes we’ve created as well… Just being players, adjusting to certain coverages that they’ve thrown at us, all of that is just fun. Just being at war with guys that are on the same mission as you.
“I just need to be in position. I’m in a winning position, winning team, and a team that wants to win… It turns everything up a notch. My level of focus, level of intent. Everything’s really just amplified. Just being consistent as well with what the team wants. That’s about it. Just showing passion for the game. A lot of people try to make it a mockery, but I love this game. I love to compete, I love to model myself after being a two-way player in this league and I take pride in that. The playoffs is where you can show it the best. I’m loving it.”
Another key area for Los Angeles has been limiting second-chance opportunities, something Ayton emphasized requires constant effort.
With Houston expected to adjust, Ayton’s defensive presence will remain central, and if his words are anything to go by, he’s more than ready for the fight.
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