Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton and Team Bahamas are off to a hot start in their bid to qualify for the next Olympics.
Ayton scored 22 points (11-of-16 shooting) and grabbed 15 rebounds in 22 minutes in a 101-89 victory over Argentina.
Ayton did a little bit of everything on the court, not only scoring but also impressing new Suns teammate Eric Gordon from a triple team.
Deandre Ayton faced a darn near triple team, found Eric Gordon, who drove and ended up getting a 3-point play.
The Bahamas were down by two late in the 1st half. #Days https://t.co/4TXA2WOxvO pic.twitter.com/8biWqiMQq7
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 17, 2023
Gordon finished the game with 24 points (game high) and three assists and one rebound in 24 minutes.
Despite playing less than competitive in the NBA, Ayton has done what many Suns fans have asked him to do over the past two seasons, including hustle to the rim and rot the ball in transition.
Ayton’s last four points, dunks in transition.
There are 8 in the Bahamas 13 points.
Under 18. #Days pic.twitter.com/OAL3OyV8Oy
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 17, 2023
Sports in Arizona‘ Kellan Olson noticed that Argentina ran several plays through a screen from its center, forcing Ayton to play perimeter defense. In the half he was very successful, getting two blocks and two steals.
The win puts the Bahamas at the top of their group, setting up a semifinal matchup against Group B’s second-place finishers, either Chile, Uruguay or Colombia.
New Day
Gordon joined Team Bahamas within the last month and has been a major key to the team’s early success.
Gordon showed that despite being 34 years old, he has the chops and athleticism to bring to this Phoenix lineup next season.
ERIC GORDON CAN STILL GET UP AT THE AGE OF 34 pic.twitter.com/R6jhIv2QSu
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) August 17, 2023