Phoenix Suns: 3 keys to staying alive this postseason

How the Phoenix Suns can survive in the NBA playoffs: Deandre Ayton must be the best big on the floor

Statistically, Deandre Ayton hasn’t necessarily taken the “leap” everyone keeps talking about other players taking. But he’s been unlocked in so many other facets that his scoring and defensive shortcomings almost feel like distant worries. They’ll be refined with time. The rest is just as crucial, if not more so, and it’s coming into focus at exactly the right time.

Through three games, Ayton is averaging 21.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, and he’s shooting an eye-popping 82.9 percent from the field. He’s literally only missed seven shots this series, and though he still can’t seem to get to the free-throw line, limiting his scoring arc just a touch, he’s doing so much more to impact the game by keeping it simple for himself and for his teammates. His shot charts tend to see a cluster of green circles populating the area just below the basket; for Williams and Phoenix, that’s ideal.

Perhaps most paramount, especially going forward in this series, will be Ayton’s defensive ability, which has seen significant improvement over the course of his three years in the league and has been vital thus far in the playoffs. Phoenix has a 106.6 defensive rating in the series when Ayton is on the floor. 16 big men have defended at least 40 screens in the playoffs and play-in; Ayton ranks second behind Draymond Green in fewest points per possession allowed. His paint presence is enough to alter the shots of some of the Lakers more efficient at-the-rim finishers, and he’s enough of a lane deterrent to force players out of their groove, searching aimlessly for other scoring opportunities.

Per B-Ball Index, among 37 centers who played at least1,000 minutes this season, Ayton is first in the matchup difficulty metric. That means he tends to guard players who have high impact and usage ratings on offense; these aren’t players that bigs tend to find themselves defending, but Ayton has taken the assignments in stride all season. It’s no surprise to see that he hasn’t had issues finding his footing in the postseason.

Ayton wants to be certified as the best young two-way center who’s ever played the game, and though those goals are lofty, who’s to deny his ability to keep ascending given the jumps he’s already taken? A reminder: he doesn’t even turn 23 until July, and is in the midst of his best overall season. Should his postseason continue at its current rate, there’s a chance — a chance — he plays the biggest role in turning this series’ tide.

These approaches, as mentioned, are imperfect. The other side employs the greatest basketball player of his generation, another All-Star, and plenty of role players who, were you to draft the players in this series to fantasy teams, would likely be drafted ahead of every Phoenix Suns player not named Booker or Paul. But this Phoenix team finished the regular season second in the West (and nipped at the top seed’s heels) for a reason. Though a big piece in that electric campaign is operating on one good arm and a shell of himself because of it, there are ways that this series can flip.

It’s do-or-die time now. Do these things, among others, and dying is less likely than otherwise.