Ayton Shines as the Suns Lose in Denver

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Center Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns showed out against the Denver Nuggets Monday night in a 107-105 preseason loss in Denver.

With reigning MVP Nikola Jokic sitting out, Ayton overwhelmed his erstwhile backup, DeAndre Jordan, scoring 19 points on an efficient 9 of 12 shooting to go along with 11 rebounds, 1 block and 3 steals. 

Suns all-star guard Devin Booker chipped in with 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists while future hall-of-fame point guard Chris Paul added 6 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds.

The Suns had big expectations last season after making the 2021 finals that they seemed to live up to, finishing the regular season with the number 1 seed and the best record in the NBA.

However, they were shockingly dispatched in 7 games in the Western Conference semifinals by the Dallas Mavericks. This was followed by an offseason that saw owner Robert Sarver mired in scandal and a contentious contract negotiation with Ayton.

The Suns’ season begins on October 19 against the Mavericks.