6 years agoPhoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton tallied 25 points, 10 rebounds and one assist in Monday's loss to the Warriors. The 7-foot-1 rookie was 9-for-17 from the field and 7-for-8 from the free throw line. It was his 11th double-double in December, which is his most in a month this season. While his scoring was up in December, he made less than 60 percent of shots for the first time this year, although he just barely missed the mark (59.7 percent). The 20-year-old was a more consistent rebounder as he grabbed double-digit caroms on 12 occasions, and protected the ball better this past month as he averaged 1.6 turnovers. Ayton has been particularly strong over the last five contests, producing 21.6 points along with 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 68.5 percent from the field over the previous five contests. The former Arizona Wildcat next game is against the 76ers, who he posted 17 points and nine rebounds against in the teams first matchup. Philadelphia may or may not be without Joel Embiid (knee) for the game on Wednesday. Embiid compiled 33 points and 17 rebounds in the first matchup.--Daniel Benjamin
Source: NBA.com