DEANDRE Ayton showed a glimpse of his newfound range on his birthday as the Phoenix Suns torched the Utah Jazz, 101-88, in their first scrimmage in the NBA bubble at Disney World, Orlando on Friday, Manila time.
The Suns star slotman, who turned 22 on gameday, made his first pro career triple – at least in an exhibition – a catch-and-shoot attempt from the left corner that beat the shot-clock buzzer in the second half, highlighting a solid performance of 13 points, eight boards, and two assists.
Mikal Bridges showed the way with 14 points and five rebounds, while Devin Booker added 13 markers for the Suns, who cruised to the win despite missing starters Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 17 points and four assists, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 14 points in 21 minutes off the bench in a losing cause.
Rudy Gobert, the first NBA player to be found positive of COVID-19 that sparked the four-month-long suspension, added five points, six caroms, and two steals.
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