In Game 1 of the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets, Deandre Ayton shocked most of the NBA world with his dominant performance against Alperen Sengun. DA finished the game with 19 points and 11 rebounds on an efficient 80 percent shooting from the field.
He used his physicality and size to bully Sengun all night. Defensively, he did a great job making life hell for Houston’s All-Star big man. Sengun shot 6-for-19 from the field in the game.
This game felt like the turning of a new leaf for Ayton with the Lakers. Considering how instrumental he was during the Phoenix Suns' run to the NBA Finals back in 2021, many thought Ayton may just be a playoff riser. Quickly after, fans realized that nothing with Ayton actually changing, as what he did in Game 1 was just another chapter in his continued inconsistency while wearing the purple and gold.
In Game 2, Ayton looked like a shell of what the Lakers got in the series opener. The former first overall pick finished the game with six points and five rebounds on 3-of-8 shooting.
With the Lakers having a 2-0 series lead as this matchup shifts to Houston, if LA wants to grab this series by the horns, they need that same Ayton they got in Game 1.
Lakers' hopes of going up 3-0 hinge on Deandre Ayton's dominance
Through the first two games of this four-five matchup, JJ Redick has done an excellent job countering Houston's every move, holding them below 100 points in both games. In Game 1, he found a way to stall the Rockets offense and force Sengun to beat the Lakers by himself. In Game 2, it was all about being physical and locking down Kevin Durant, which they executed perfectly.
Heading into Game 3, the key is Ayton.
Throughout both his collegiate and professional careers, it's obvious Ayton has the skills to take over games and dominate the paint on both ends. He has the size, the touch, the IQ, and the talent. What always sinks him is his mentality.
In Game 1, it was as if Ayton had been hearing all the noise that he was outmatched by Sengun, and that the All-Star big man was going to dominate him. He responded incredibly well, being physical and aggressive.
However, after proving himself in the first game, it was as if he no longer felt the pride in winning that matchup in Game 2. There was no urgency, no drive, and a complacency that the Lakers can't afford to see in Game 3.
Houston is going to bring it. If the Rockets lose this next game, their season is all but over, so having Ayton contribute a weak six points isn't going to cut it. The Lakers don't need Deandre Ayton—they need Domin-Ayton in Game 3.
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