Young players in the NBA often are avid gamers. Growing up in a world where there have always been video games readily available, many athletes are excited to use themselves or even their fellow players in action.

This is the case for Phoenix Suns rookie center DeAndre Ayton. The 20-year-old phenom is an excellent scorer and big man for the Suns and has proven himself as a great duos partner with star guard Devin Booker.

Ayton is very excited to play the reigning champion Golden State Warriors again, not even because of the matchup, but because he loves using them in 2k. For Ayton, it's almost a surreal happening. A reality that many only live out through a basketball simulation.

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The first time the Suns faced off against the Warriors this season was their third game on the year. The Suns lost by a score of 123-103, a complete routing. Ayton did play very well though and contributed the most for the Suns that evening. He scored 20 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and had five assists.

For the Warriors, Stephen Curry had 29 points, four rebounds and eight assists on the evening. It wasn't the Warriors best defensive performance and the Suns were able to eclipse 100 points that game despite holding the 26th ranked scoring average in the league (105.4 points per game).

On the season, Ayton has averaged 16.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting a blistering 60.8 percent from the field. He's deadlocked in the Rookie of the Year race with Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic.

This year the Suns are 9-28 and are last in the NBA's Western Conference. They will face off next against the Golden State Warriors at home on New Year's Eve.