Ayton Dominates Boards Against Mavs

The Big Man Pulls Down 20 Rebounds

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Deandre Ayton dominated the boards, Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks, despite this, he and his Suns came up short 99-95.

On the third anniversary of the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, Ayton seemed to embody the “Mamba Mentality” taking 20 shots, only making 6, and finishing with 19 points. 

Surrounded by 3 defenders?

DA gets it done down low. pic.twitter.com/5j0NAS2Sih

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 27, 2023

Despite his struggles on offense, he held it down inside, grabbing 20 rebounds, 7 of which were on the offensive glass. His domination inside and glass-eating, allowed the Suns to stay in the game, coming within two points early in the fourth quarter before the Mavs pulled away to seal the win. 

Ayton finished with 19 points and 20 rebounds. Cam Johnson and Chris Paul had 22 each for the Suns. Luka Doncic played only three minutes for the Mavs before exiting with an injury. Spencer Dinwiddie picked up the slack, scoring 36 points to go with 6 rebounds and 9 assists. 

Ayton and the Suns will try to regroup Saturday, against the San Antonio Spurs.