Deandre Ayton harnesses criticism as motivation to excel in his performance.

March 14, 2024

Deandre Ayton harnesses criticism as motivation to excel in his performance.

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton is aware of the criticism directed towards him. Despite maintaining a consistent double-double average throughout his career, the 7-foot center, now in his sixth season after attending Arizona, acknowledges the doubts and jests that surround him. However, Ayton finds motivation in these criticisms, particularly since the start of 2024, where he has demonstrated exceptional performance.

"I pay attention to it, and I'm aware of it, and I embrace it," Ayton commented on the skepticism directed towards him. "I'm grateful for these critics because it pushes me to approach the game with the right mindset and represent Portland to the fullest. So I'm thankful for them. I'll continue to carry the team on my shoulders with pride."

Ayton recently achieved a season-high performance, scoring 33 points—just two shy of his career-best—on 15-of-20 shooting, alongside 19 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, leading the Trail Blazers to a 106-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Moda Center on Wednesday night.

With this win, the Trail Blazers' overall record stands at 19-46, with an 11-23 record at home for the season.

Although Ayton's performance on Wednesday night stood out as one of his best since joining the Trail Blazers, it has become quite typical for the 25-year-old Bahamian. This marks the second occasion this season where he has recorded at least 30 points and 19 rebounds in a game, a feat shared only with Nikola Jokic.

"Simply playing with intensity, approaching the game the way I envision it," Ayton commented on his recent success. "Every game is significant, playing alongside these teammates, getting to understand them, and just battling out there with them. That's all I can say, that's what led to it, to be honest."

In the three games since returning from a hand injury that sidelined him for five games, Ayton has maintained impressive statistics. He is averaging 26.0 points on 57 percent shooting from the field and a perfect 100 percent from the free-throw line, along with 17.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 36.5 minutes. This places him among the select few players this season who have recorded three consecutive games with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Moreover, Ayton's performance marks the second-longest streak in team history, trailing only Bill Walton. He has achieved double-doubles in six consecutive games and in eight of his last nine appearances, averaging 22.4 points on 62 percent shooting and 14.6 rebounds. In essence, Ayton, who dubs himself "DominAyton," is indeed living up to his name.

"I feel like I'm striving to do everything in these games," Ayton stated. "Not only fulfilling my responsibilities and role for this team but going above and beyond. That's where I stand. I'm more dominant. Some may find it amusing, but it's the reality."

Following a tumultuous start to his tenure in Portland, marked by injury setbacks, Ayton has emerged as the cornerstone center that the Trail Blazers envisioned when they acquired him as the top overall pick in the 2018 Draft from the Phoenix Suns before the season began. Although the team's focus this season leans more towards player development than securing wins, Ayton's recent performances indicate a promising outlook for the franchise's rebuilding efforts.

"I'm just focused on giving my all out there. That's it," Ayton remarked. "Regardless of how it may seem, I'm striving for greatness. I want to be a winner in this league, to be recognized as a dominant force. If you're on my team, you're going to learn how to win."

In Wednesday's victory, Anfernee Simons showcased a stellar performance with 36 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and a steal in 42 minutes of play. Dalano Banton contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes, while Kris Murray recorded nine points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. Matisse Thybulle added eight points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 32 minutes of action.

Up next, the Trail Blazers will face the Knicks on Thursday night in the second game of a back-to-back and the final game of a six-game homestand. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

https://teekaholic.com/product/official-new-posters-for-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-releasing-in-theaters-on-march-29-polo-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/new-posters-for-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-releasing-in-theaters-on-march-29-polo-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/invincible-shield-tour-europe-2024-judas-priest-19-july-2024-arena-sofia-hall-polo-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/summer-slam-cleverland-saturday-august-3-cody-rhodes-vs-the-rock-poster-tapestry/

https://teekaholic.com/product/summer-slam-2024-august-3-drew-mcintyre-vs-cm-punk-world-title-poster-tapestry/

https://teekaholic.com/product/invincible-shield-tour-europe-2024-judas-priest-19-july-2024-arena-sofia-hall-tapestry-poster/

https://teekaholic.com/product/danna-paola-announces-new-album-childstar-out-april-11th-poster-tapestry/

https://teekaholic.com/product/xenmas-kingdom-hearts-summer-aloha-collections-hawaiian-shirt-for-men-and-women/

https://teekaholic.com/product/biscuit-oliva-baki-summer-aloha-collections-hawaiian-shirt-for-men-and-women/

https://teekaholic.com/product/black-bulls-black-clover-summer-aloha-collections-hawaiian-shirt-for-men-and-women/

https://teekaholic.com/product/block-faces-minecraft-summer-aloha-collections-hawaiian-shirt-for-men-and-women/

https://teekaholic.com/product/bojji-ousama-ranking-summer-aloha-collections-hawaiian-shirt-for-men-and-women/