Phoenix Suns rookie Deandre Ayton lived up to his billing as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, outplaying fellow big man Mo Bamba.
During the said game, the Phoenix Suns won over the Orlando Magic 71-53 in the NBA Summer League.
Ayton tallied a double-double with 17 points and 13 board on Monday at the Thomas and Mack Center as he led the Suns to a 3-0 start in the 20-team tournament in Las Vegas. Bamba, the No. 6 overall pick, tallied just four points, five boards and five blocks for the previously unbeaten Magic (2-1).
Ayton Claims First Win Against Bamba
Ayton claims that the win was his first against Bamba. On Saturday, the No. 1 overall selection defeated No. 2 pick Marvin Bagley III and the Sacramento Kings. After the game, it was revealed that Bagley suffered a pelvic bone bruise and will be sidelined for the rest of the Summer League.
"With all the excitement and all the fans coming out here, it just really made me a lot more comfortable," Ayton told NBA TV. "And I just want to put on a show for them, to be honest, and just win as many games as I play."
Dragan Bender and Shaquille Harrison added 11 points each, Davon Reed and Jack Cooley contributed 10 points apiece, and Josh Jackson scored nine points for the Suns, who made just 27 of 72 attempts for a 37.5 percent clip from the floor. Bender also grabbed eight boards while Harrison issued six assists for Phoenix.
Jonathan Isaac was the only player in double figures for the Magic with 10 points. Braian Angola Rodas added 9 points, Wes Iwundu chipped in eight points and eight boards while Troy Caupain had six markers for the Magic. Orlando fared worse from the field, making just 17 of 55 attempts for 30.9 percent.
Ayton Shows Strength Over Bamba
As one of the most anticipated matchups in the Summer League, Ayton and Bamba both delivered a performance that fans wanted. While Ayton showed his scoring and rebounding ability, Bamba made his presence felt on the defensive end.
When it came to one-on-one ability, Ayton had the edge over Bamba. In one play, Ayton posted Bamba, powered past him and went up for a dunk. Bamba tried to stop the No. 1 overall pick, but he was whistled for a foul.
Ayton was more superior when it comes to rebounding, grabbing more offensive rebounds than the Magic big man. Ayton converted two of his offensive rebounds to tip-ins, including a thunderous dunk off a miss by Jackson.
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