The Suns eliminated the Pelicans 4-2 to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals, Paul proved his leadership value, although he performed poorly in the G4 game, shooting 2 of 8, 3 of 3 three-pointers, no free throws, only 4 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists and 2 steals, but Paul is definitely the leader of the Suns at key moments, the most important thing is that Paul has helpers around him, paul, who is no longer alone, can he realize his dream of the championship this year? It's up to Suns center Ayton, who didn't get the max salary extension last summer, and started a showdown!
In the game to eliminate the Pelicans, Ayton continued to play efficiently, fully assisting Paul on 10-of-12 shooting, bombing 22 points and 7 rebounds, especially the defensive end was a good way to limit the opponent's impact in the box. With Ayton guarding the box, the Suns' defense line was well established, the offensive and defensive transitions became smooth, and most importantly, Ayton set an NBA record, becoming the first player in history to score 20+ points in at least 6 games in a series, while shooting at least 70% of the time.
After playing 6 games in the first round of the series, Ayton averaged 20.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.17 blocks per game, shooting 70% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
Without Ayton's tough performance, the Suns want to win the first place in the regular season, and eliminate the Pelicans with excellent performance in the playoffs, I am afraid it is very difficult, maybe Paul and Booker are a good backcourt combination, but Ayton deserves the Third Big Of the Suns, so the Suns are ready for the top salary!
The same draft draft Doncic, Trae Young and Alexander all got the maximum salary renewal last summer, as the leader of Ayton, did not get the maximum salary extension provided by the Suns, will decide to put it in this summer,Ayton, can get the Suns' maximum salary renewal? Obviously, compared to Trae Young's performance in this year's playoffs, Ayton deserves a maximum salary extension, even if the Suns do not want to give, other teams are willing to provide Ayton with a maximum salary, because Ayton is a restricted free agent this summer, can accept offers from other teams, whether to match or not is the Suns' business.
It is worth mentioning that Ayton can set an NBA record, the ultra-high shooting rate bombed 20+ points, not 100% of Paul's credit, because Ayton's scoring means are not completely dependent on eating cake, from Ayton's scoring area in the first round can be seen, Ayton has an 81.5% shooting rate under the basket, more than 50% shooting rate in the middle distance, both the left and right hands can score, and the offensive action of the small hooker, which shows that Ayton has his own scoring means, he has his own offensive ability, such a champion center, Getting a top salary is really not a big problem, and it is more valuable than Simmons, Harris and other top salary players.