Deandre Ayton finished Game 1 with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The pivot helped Lakers open the game with a positive streak, but the team lost to Oklahoma City Thunder 90-108 on Tuesday night.
Coach JJ Redick pointed to the player as the piece that most changes the team’s potential. Ayton now faces the challenge of containing Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, two of the best rim protectors in the league.
Ayton comes off the bench for a double-double in the first game of the series
The pivot played for 27 minutes and grabbed 12 rebounds in total. Ele converted 5 of 12 shots from the field. Ayton also dished out two assists and added a block.
At the beginning of the match, he was active. Ayton contributed with a putback and helped Lakers go on a 7-0 run. The team controlled the pace in the first minutes with their presence in the paint.
Depois from the range, performance dropped. Ayton committed his fourth foul in the third quarter and played just four minutes in the period. In the final quarter, he grabbed just one rebound in almost nine minutes on the court.
Desempenho vs. Rockets opened the door to longer playoffs
Ayton experienced its first postseason since 2023. Ele averaged 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in 31 minutes per game in the first round series against Houston Rockets.
The pivot stood out in the Game 5 with 18 points and 17 rebounds. No Game 6, who closed the series, he grabbed 16 rebounds. Ayton outperformed Alperen Sengun in most head-to-head matches.
- Ayton converted very close to the rim against Rockets
- Ele protected the offensive rebound in key moments
- The pivot performed well in the role of defensive anchor in the big box
- Ele avoided a lot of unnecessary fouls for most of the series
Recent Histórico shows career highs and lows
Ayton was exchanged for Phoenix Suns in September 2023. Portland Trail Blazers purchased its contract in June last year. Ele signed with Lakers as a free agent last offseason.
The 27-year-old has dealt with criticism about consistency and professionalism throughout his career. In February, he declared in the locker room that he was not like Clint Capela. Ayton also had moments of disengagement when he didn’t receive enough touches.
From the final stretch of the regular season onwards, he adapted better to the role. Ayton dedicated himself to what the team needed instead of trying to be a star. Coach JJ Redick praised the progress over the last two and a half months.
Thunder’s Frontcourt imposes new physical test
Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the field in Game 1. The team recorded 48 painted points. Holmgren finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
Ayton needs to be more physical and disciplined. Ele should make Holmgren think twice before attacking the rim. The Lakers pivot also needs to secure defensive rebounds more consistently.
Antes from the series, Ayton had already commented on the importance of protecting the bottle. Ele mentioned that Thunder usually generates more than 50 painted points per game.
Redick sees Ayton as a central piece to elevate the team
Lakers’s coach highlighted the importance of Ayton in the rotation. Redick stated that the center changes the team’s ceiling more than any other player.
Quando Ayton is at its best, Lakers becomes different. The team got past Rockets in the first round thanks to his contribution in the bottle. Agora, the expectation is that the pivot will maintain the same standard against a stronger opponent.
Oklahoma City leads the series 1-0. Game 2 takes place on Thursday, still at Oklahoma City. Os Lakers look for a draw before heading home.
