Arizona in NBA Summer League: Deandre Ayton outshines Mo Bamba, Rawle Alkins makes first start

Deandre Ayton had never beaten Mohamed Bamba until the two went head-to-head Monday at Las Vegas Summer League.

Ayton proved to be the more dominant big man, posting 17 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks as the Phoenix Suns topped Bamba and the Orlando Magic, 71-53.

Ayton was 6-of-10 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line in 22 minutes.

“He’s 4-1 now,” Ayton joked after the game. “Through high school he won every game. He had a super team. Cam Reddish, Brandon Randolph, they were pretty good in high school. When we were shaking hands he was like ‘you finally got one.’”

Bamba, the No. 6 pick in the draft, finished with four points, five rebounds, and five blocks in 22 minutes. The Texas Longhorn was 2-for-4 from the field. Both players committed five fouls.

Ayton said he enjoys going up against other top picks of his draft class. He squared off against No. 2 pick Marvin Bagley III earlier in Summer League.

“Of course. All of us, we all achieved our goal of coming to the NBA. Now it’s time to work,” Ayton said. “Once we get between the lines, it’s time to battle. ... I’m a competitor. That’s what keeps my blood flowing.”

The Suns improve to 3-0 in Las Vegas. Ayton said he is getting more confident each game. He’s averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds per contest on 67 percent shooting, and he’s posted two straight double-doubles.

“I told coach that I’m getting better and better every game, just really attacking the glass and being more vocal,” he said. “Some trash-talking and feeling out the refs. That’s about it.”

In other Summer League news, Rawle Alkins made his first start for the Toronto Raptors and tallied seven points, five rebounds, and three assists in 25 minutes. He didn’t have his best shooting night, going just 3-of-10 from the field, including 1-of-5 mark from the 3-point line.

Alkins was matched up against former Arizona commit Terrance Ferguson at times. Ferguson had eight points on nine shots in 28 minutes.

Chance Comanche did not play for the Magic against Ayton and the Suns. That is his second DNP in three games at Summer League.

Kadeem Allen started for the Boston Celtics, but had a quiet night with two points and an assist in 14 minutes. He’s had a rather uneventful stint in Vegas so far.

Grant Jerrett made his third straight start for the Clippers. He went scoreless in 14 minutes, but did track down five rebounds.

Allonzo Trier (Knicks) and Kobi Simmons (Grizzlies) were off Monday, but they return to the court Tuesday. Here’s the full schedule: