Deandre Ayton was sensational in his first NBA Finals game with the Phoenix Suns, so much so that he replicated a feat that was last done by San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan.
According to Justin Kubatko of Basketball Reference, Ayton is the first player to tally at least 15 points and 15 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut since Duncan did so in 1999. The Suns big man finished Game 1 with 22 points and 19 rebounds to help Phoenix secure a 118-105 win and a 1-0 series lead.
Deandre Ayton is the first player to record at least 15 points and 15 rebounds in his NBA Finals debut since Tim Duncan on June 16, 1999. pic.twitter.com/NyFg5q9jzn
— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) July 7, 2021
For what it's worth, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo later on joined the group, as he bagged 20 points and 17 boards in the frustrating loss for Milwaukee. Still, the record stands as Deandre Ayton did it first.
Adding to the record of the Suns center, he also joined an elite list of dominant big man after recording the fourth-most rebound by any player in their first NBA Finals game. Only Wilt Chamberlain (23), Larry Bird (21) and Bill Walton (20) had more than Ayton.
The @Suns Deandre Ayton grabbed 19 rebounds in tonight's win over the Bucks. Only three players have recorded more rebounds in their NBA Finals debut:
23 – Wilt Chamberlain, 1964
21 – Larry Bird, 1981
20 – Bill Walton, 1977 pic.twitter.com/zM1TWq6DIq— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) July 7, 2021
The record and win aside, the performance from Dominayton should be a huge confidence booster for the Suns as they try to win the first championship title of the franchise–something that Charles Barkley's 1993 team failed to do so.
While Devin Booker and Chris Paul are the key factors for the Suns Ayton's presence and play will just be as crucial if Phoenix wants to get the job done this time around.
Follow Us
Subscribe