Despite dominating the second round so far, Mark Daigneault and the Thunder are wary of Deandre Ayton's recent impactful performances for the Lakers.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are enjoying all the momentum in the Western Conference Semifinals, leading with a commanding 2-0 margin over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Oklahoma City Thunder / Schedule
As such, approaching Game 3 on Saturday as the series shifts to LA, Mark Daigneault and his crew set their goals clear of trying to contain Deandre Ayton.
"He’s obviously a priority for us," the Thunder coach told reporters in his pregame presser. "He’s a really talented player with great size, touch, and hands. When you assess what you need to do against this team to give yourself advantages, he’s up there.
"Obviously, a lot of possessions start with [Austin] Reaves and [LeBron] James, but he’s in that next tier of guys on their team who can really hurt you, and he did. I agree with you about the Houston series — he was incredibly impactful. I think it was maybe Game 3 where he was unbelievable."
Ayton has been a low-key X-factor for the Lakers this postseason, averaging 10.5 points and 10.9 rebounds across eight games.
He might have appeared passive in scoring, but the big man has been huge for the Lakers in the West Semis, particularly in controlling the glass.
Ayton is averaging 11 rebounds in the past two matches in Oklahoma City, and was dominant on the offensive boards with five each in Games 1 and 2.
Ayton redeemed himself for the Lakers after a rough start in the opening round against the Houston Rockets. In the last three games of the series, the former No. 1 pick delivered huge numbers of 14.7 points and 14.3 rebounds while shooting 62.5 percent from the field.
Mindful enough of the possibility that Ayton could break out for LA again, Daigneault stands convinced for his Thunder crew to go after the big man.
"We’re aware of what he’s capable of," he added, "and we need to get him under control."
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