There was a tough 40-minute last fight against Argentina, in Argentina. And then there was the victory, the deliverance, the smiles, the kisses, hugs and celebrations around the “boarding pass” sign indicating that the Bahamas had the right to continue the adventure next summer in order to see the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Central piece of this great success, Deandre Ayton was in all those moments with a big smile on his face and the flag of the Bahamas on his shoulders.
The pivot of the Suns needed to live 100% these moments of joy after difficult experiences in Phoenix, where he sometimes felt like the scapegoat. With the Bahamas, he found pleasure again, and this is the best news that the Suns could hope for from this Argentine adventure.
“I don’t even know how to feel this most incredible feeling”released a Deandre Ayton in full euphoria after the meeting. “Frankly, it’s the story of a child who grew up and fulfilled a dream. You can’t realize it’s a dream until you’re in it.”
A new dynamic
Deandre Ayton enjoyed the field because he thrived in the framework set by Warriors coach and assistant Chris DeMarco. By remaining in his role alongside playmaker Eric Gordon and sniper Buddy Hield, he averaged 15.5 points and 13.7 rebounds over four games with a final that he left his mark on by taking 21 rebounds to accompany his 10 dots.
“The “big man” was unique. He knew what was at stake and sacrificed himself for the good of his country,” acknowledged Buddy Hield while Eric Gordon also went there with his tribute, thinking of the sequel with the Suns. ” It is enormous. Without him, we had no chance. Everyone just has to have the right attitude, the right behavior in this coming season, and our potential will be limitless.”
Deandre Ayton was not left out and also congratulated his teammates for what will perhaps remain as a milestone in his career, while his return to Phoenix should take place in a completely different atmosphere since the departure of Monty. Williams and the constitution of the Big Three with Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Enough to stay on this dynamic, why not while waiting for a historic feat during the TQO next summer with the same group?
“They are the best teammates I have ever known, on and off the pitch. You have to realize what it’s like to fight for your country and see everyone on the same wavelength. It was an incredible feeling”added Deandre Ayton.
| Deandre Ayton | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | PHX | 71 | 31 | 58.5 | 0.0 | 74.6 | 3.1 | 7.1 | 10.3 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 16.3 |
| 2019-20 | PHX | 38 | 33 | 54.6 | 23.1 | 75.3 | 3.9 | 7.6 | 11.5 | 1.9 | 3.1 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 18.2 |
| 2020-21 | PHX | 69 | 31 | 62.6 | 20.0 | 76.9 | 3.3 | 7.2 | 10.5 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 14.5 |
| 2021-22 | PHX | 58 | 30 | 63.4 | 36.8 | 74.6 | 2.6 | 7.7 | 10.2 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 17.2 |
| 2022-23 | PHX | 67 | 30 | 58.9 | 29.2 | 76.0 | 2.6 | 7.4 | 10.0 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 18.0 |
| Total | 303 | 31 | 59.7 | 26.3 | 75.5 | 3.0 | 7.4 | 10.4 | 1.6 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 16.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
