The Phoenix Suns are living in two different moments right now.
The first is primarily being happy after beating the Denver Nuggets.
The second is seeing how one of their best players is struggling in the postseason.
Deandre Ayton’s effort has been questioned in this series, and he was the low note for the Suns on Friday.
After the game was over, Devin Booker talked about this, showing support for Ayton and trying to explain what might be happening to him.
Devin Booker on trying to pick up Deandre Ayton after tonight: “Energy and effort always has to be high, especially around this time. You can’t get flustered, you can’t get in your own head, and I could see that with him a little bit tonight, so that’s my job to just pump him up” pic.twitter.com/qqeqRpkx5f
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) May 6, 2023
Ayton finished the game with only four points, nothing compared to the 47 Booker scored or the 39 Kevin Durant added.
The Suns will need Ayton to step up if they aspire to win more than one game.
Nikola Jokic is playing at a high level against the Suns, and they will need Ayton at the best level against him.
However, things aren’t going that well for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Durant and Booker can carry a team on their shoulders, of course, but that’s not ideal for the Suns.
They need the rest of the team to step up against the deep roster of the Denver Nuggets.
Ayton will need to change his mindset if the Suns have a chance to advance to the next round.
NEXT: Fans React To DeAndre Ayton's Benching Late In Game 3
