The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DEANDRE Ayton delivered another efficient performance for the Phoenix Suns but they fell short of sweeping the top three teams in the Eastern Conference on their recent road trip.

Ayton finished with a double double - 20 points and 13 rebounds - and three assists, two steals in the Suns’ 128-119 loss to the Brooklyn Nets yesterday.

Ayton shot 9-12 from the field, 2-4 from the free throw line, and totalled his 32nd double double of the season, ranked 10th in the league.

He secured a double double just 14 minutes into the game with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Suns led by 13 in the second quarter and 61-59 at halftime.

The Suns fell to 42-18, second in the Western Conference, two games behind the Utah Jazz (44-16).

Phoenix began the road trip on April 19 with a 128-127 overtime win over the Eastern Conference’s third ranked team, the Milwaukee Bucks (37-22). Ayton finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds on 8-11 shooting from the field.

They followed with a 116-113 win over the second ranked Philadelphia 76ers on April 21. Ayton had just 10 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

He added 10 points and nine rebounds in the Suns’ 99-86 loss to the Boston Celtics on April 22.

“Like, these last three games have been playoff games for us in atmosphere, so I think they’re great,” Williams said. “Your armpits and underwear may tell you a different story at the end of the game, but as far as growth is concerned it’s pretty good for our team and our young guys.”

The Suns’ road trip ends tonight against the New York Knicks who have won nine straight.