Late in the 4th quarter with the game on the line especially. Ayton became lackadaisical on the boards and the 2nd chance points just killed us. Again, this isn't all on Ayton, but he's the athletic 7 footer who should easily be getting those rebounds over anyone else on the team, and the lack of effort was blatantly obvious.
Yeah something is weird. But I think the reason people look at Ayton is obvious. This is a guy who averages 11.5 rebounds per game two seasons ago. And he’s still young. And for over a month now he’s averaging 8 rebounds per game. We know he can go get 11 and he gets 8. And that’s visible to those watching the games.
And it’s not like this is something just a bunch of guys on a sports board saw. He said it himself. So either he’s that self aware of his poor effort (1 rebound in the 4th) or monty or Paul called him out on it.
The problem is if het get 11 the Suns still lose that game. They gave up 15 threes, shot for a worse from the free throw line than the Bucks, didn't play defense and got worked by 21 rebounds. Ayton is just a bigger punching bag than some other players on this team.
How do you figure that?? 3 rebounds would be massive, especially if the 3 he DIDN'T get led to scores (which they frequently did). 3 more rebounds by ANYBODY could have potentially been huge because their offensive rebound difference was so glaring.
How do you figure 3 rebounds is massive when we got worked by 21? I have seen guys time and time again get 3 rebounds over tips on the same bucket. 3 more on a 21 differential isn't going to swing a game. The results of those rebounds doesn't even come close to guaranteeing a score on the other end either. Also, why does it have to be Ayton's 3 extra? Why not Bridges? Why not one of the other guys who normally get more too? Why not the other bigs who couldn't stay on the floor?
Not if those additional 3 rebounds included the two that went right by him that Giannis grabbed that lead to 4 more points when we were still right in it. He grabs those - for which he had position - and our chances to win go up exponentially. Yes, if a lot of things went differently we steal the game. But we just aren’t choosing to discuss them. If some of you want to discuss those, by all means, do so. No one’s stopping you. But those two boards were big and by all rights ayton could’ve and likely should’ve gotten them. Arguing there were also other reasons for the loss doesn’t eliminate what we are discussing as a reason as well.
Zero from Bridges was bigger. Fewer rebounds from other guys were just as important. I will repeat what I said above. The question should be if the team has 3 more rebounds not if Ayton did if you believe that was the difference. If you all want to use him as your punching bag go ahead. Nobody is stopping you either. You also have to assume even if we got those rebounds we scored on the ensuing possessions. Lot's of ifs.
Lol. You’re arguing about some mythical theoretical rebounds bridges could’ve had. I am actually talking about two actual rebounds that would’ve meant at least a 4 point swing and possibly as large as an 8-10 point swing if we scored on the end.
So let me get this straight. You are arguing that Bridges getting zero which almost never happens is mythical BUT Ayton getting more (maybe you are not arguing that point like others)....but then "possibly" getting 8-10 point swing on the other end "if we scored on the other end" isn't?!?! OK.
Yes and I am saying singling out Ayton for this loss is stupid. It's only about Ayton because that's what you are making it. Have at it. I am checking out. You want to keep punching be my guest.
He's only singled out because he's who the discussion is about. You are accusing us of ignoring the rest of the issues, when that isn't the case. Bridges didn't get rebounds, and he didn't try to get any rebounds, but it wasn't for lack of effort. Ayton was.
Yes, and it is very apparent that he wasn't trying in several instances. That's the main beef we have with him.So, both of these things can be true:
Bridges had a poor rebounding game and gave away points
Ayton had a poor rebounding game and gave away points
In fact, it is true:
Video and Shotcharts | Stats | NBA.com
A video and Shot Chart interface with the ability to filter down to specific on court events and granular details.www.nba.com
It just so happens that Ayton's were at the end of the game when there is both more at stake and less time to recover from it.
No. I’m arguing that we have no idea what bridges additional rebounds would’ve been. Maybe he would’ve grabbed one that Ayton grabbed. But we DO know what happens if Ayton grabs those two rebounds . . . no 4 second chance points. I’m talking about something real. You’re talking about complete conjecture.
Yup. This. Yup
