Ayton gets best of Bamba in victory
Rookie Suns star posts 17 points, 13 rebounds
LAS VEGAS – The game meant nothing, but Orlando rookie center Mohamed Bamba was still keeping score.
Before the Magic’s Las Vegas Summer League game against the Suns Monday – and his matchup with Deandre Ayton – Bamba told NBA.com that he was 4-0 against Ayton in past AAU games.
And then Bamba made a prediction. “It’s about to be five,” he said with a smile.
Good thing for Orlando that Bamba is better at blocking shots than he is making predictions.
The Suns beat the Magic 71-53 to go 3-0 in the summer league, and Ayton got the best of Bamba. Ayton finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds while Bamba had four points and five boards.
“It’s 4-1 now,” a smiling Ayton said after the game. “Through high school he won every game. He had a super team. We were shaking hands and he said, ‘You finally got me.’ I said, ‘Yup, especially when it matters.’ ”
At one point in the first half, Bamba had a tip-in dunk. On Phoenix’s next trip down the floor, Ayton returned the favor.
“When he dunked I said, ‘I’ve got to get one too because they’re going to be on film with him looking like he dunked on me,’ ” Ayton said. “So I had to get one.”
Ayton said he’s feeling more comfortable with each game, to the point that he’s engaging in some good-natured trash talking.
“I told Coach (Igor Kokoskov) I’m getting better and better,” Ayton said. “Just attacking the glass and really being more vocal.”
Kokoskov said he sees the same thing from his rookie center.
“Just the fact he played more mentally relaxed and was physically more active,” Kokoskov said. “That’s a good balance that we’re looking for from Ayton. A clean mind and come and enjoy being aggressive, being proactive. Enjoy being dominating on the court.”
Harrison playing way onto roster?
Point guard Shaq Harrison has a nonguaranteed contract, which means his hold on a roster spot is tenuous at best. But if Kokoskov’s comments after Monday’s game are any indication, Harrison is making a strong case to stay with the Suns.
Harrison had 11 points and six rebounds against the Magic but it was his defense that impressed Kokoskov. Harrison had six steals and took three charging calls in the first half alone.
“Harrison was unbelievable,” Kokoskov said. “He had a great game. Unbelievable guarding the ball. That was a statement right from the beginning.”
Asked how much he values the kind of tenacious defense Harrison plays, Kokoskov said, “A lot. A lot.”
“We don’t make any (roster) decisions,” Kokoskov said. “He’s making the decision for himself. I was really impressed.”
Harrison is not a great offensive player – he was 5 of 13 from the field Monday and shot just 23.1 percent from 3-point range last season – so his NBA future will be decided by what he does on the defensive end.
“It’s definitely my calling card,” he said. “That’s just what I do. I love doing that. I’ve been doing that since I was a little kid … I’ve always got energy and I like to rub off on people. If Coach wants me to run through a brick wall I’ll run through a brick wall.”
Told of Kokoskov’s comments, Harrison smiled and said, “That shows he has confidence in me and his confidence gives me even more confidence. That’s great to hear from Igor.”
Upcoming schedule
The Suns won't know when their next game is – or whom they will play – until Tuesday's games are completed. Phoenix will either play Wednesday or Thursday.