As the Bucks and Suns faced off in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, neither team had a player with NBA championship experience. Every player on both teams would be making their Finals debut.
As the Suns got the win, it was fueled in part by Deandre Ayton, who produced 22 points and 19 rebounds.
According to ESPN, Ayton became the first player since Tim Duncan in 1999 to record 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in his Finals debut.
Ironically enough, after Ayton notched 15 points and boards, Giannis Antetokounmpo also accomplished this same feat later in the game, becoming just the second player to do this since Duncan.
Ayton is due for a major payday this summer to solidify himself in Phoenix long-term. The former No. 1 overall pick has always been good throughout his NBA
While Chris Paul is here now, he’s 36 and won’t be part of the Suns’ core for the next decade. However, Phoenix will be in good hands with their young duo of Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.
