Monty Williams hasn't discussed Game 7 events with Deandre Ayton
Source: Twitter @GeraldBourguet
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
The Ringer @ringernba“That was savagery on a whole other level.”
@Logan Murdock and @Bell19Raja revisit the moment from Game 7 when Luka cooked Deandre Ayton: https://t.co/Sqid9MVViI pic.twitter.com/MA7gehC69d – 5:07 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams ended his availability today by expressing how much the group is thinking about Brittney Griner. They pray for her and her family a ton and he hopes people will have her in their thoughts even after the Suns’ season is over. – 2:58 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams said the comments from Patrick Beverley on Chris Paul don’t bother him at all. Called Paul one of the best players in the history of the game and doesn’t want to comment on people taking shots at Paul that “aren’t even in that class.” – 2:55 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“We think about Brittney Griner, and I want our fans to know that even though I haven’t spoken about it a lot, we pray for her and her family a ton.” – Monty Williams’ parting words during exit interviews – 2:51 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“#Suns coach Monty Williams said “Deandre’s situation is something we’ll deal with in the summer” when asked if Ayton is part of their long-term future. #NBAPlayoffs2022 #NBAPlayoffs – 2:46 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams on whether DA is a part of the Suns’ long-term plans: “Deandre’s situation is something that we’ll deal with this summer. I don’t want to say anything in regards to that. James and I are going to have conversations about the team in general.” – 2:45 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Monty Williams stuck to the ‘internal’ stance on what happened with him and Deandre Ayton in Game 7, but said he hasn’t talked to Ayton 1-on-1 since the game.
Said he’s talked the team, but he also said he made a decision not to put Ayton back in as game got out of hand. #Suns – 2:39 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams said he and Deandre Ayton have not spoke in a 1-on-1 fashion since he took him out of the game last night. Williams addressed the team as a whole today. – 2:37 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams said he and Deandre Ayton did not talk about what happened after Game 7. He talked to the team today, but not DA personally – 2:35 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams on the finality of the Suns’ season: “It’s unbelievably hard, just because our expectations are to be the last team standing. And in a short period of time, we’ve come a long way, and the process of the expectations have changed so quickly.” – 2:33 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
We are about to speak with Monty Williams for an end of the season availability. No word yet on if any players will be speaking at a later time. – 2:13 PM Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Lowe Post podcast: @Kevin Arnovitz on the Mavs humiliating the Suns, CP3 and Booker’s G7 duds, LUKA, what’s next for Phoenix, fake Ayton trades, and Warriors-Mavs deep dive preview. Then @Brian Scalabrine on BOS outlasting Giannis, Heat-Celtics preview:
Apple: apple.co/3wqszMi – 2:01 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Questions about Deandre Ayton’s ‘character’ and ‘attitude’ prevented rookie max extension, says JJ Redick #Suns #NBAPlayoffs2022 #NBAPlayoffs azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 1:50 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Ayton’s fantastic.” JJ Redick.
“He’s OK.” Patrick Beverley.
The start of a debate between those two about Deandre Ayton. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs2022 #Mavs pic.twitter.com/7bWqo4rXDc – 11:54 AM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
5 takeaways from Phoenix #Suns’ Game 7 flop vs. Dallas #Mavericks with Deandre Ayton’s ‘internal,’ with Monty Williams Devin Booker missing and Chris Paul falling short again after being up 2-0 in series #NBAPlayoffs #NBAPlayoffs2022 #Mavs https://t.co/elgtaLYYFq via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/4SlEFJl9n4 – 10:20 AM Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Leaders in each statistical category in the Mavs-Suns series:
Points:
1. Luka Doncic: 228
2. Devin Booker: 164
Assists:
1. Doncic: 49
2. Chris Paul: 40
Rebounds:
1. Doncic: 69
2. D. Ayton: 57
Steals:
1. Doncic: 15
2. Mikal Bridges: 9
3-pointers:
1. Doncic: 22
2. Crowder: 16 – 10:06 AM Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
/Wizards fans:
Would you explore Deandre Ayton for Kristaps Porzingis? – 10:05 AM Lang Greene @LangGreene
Spencer Dinwiddie outscored Chris Paul, Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton (who were at home) combined in a Game 7. – 9:23 AM StatMuse @statmuse
Luka in the Suns series:
— More points than Booker
— More rebounds than Ayton
— More assists than CP
— More steals than Mikal pic.twitter.com/weRy9Nh8j6 – 8:42 AM Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Monty Williams on why Deandre Ayton only played 17 minutes: “It’s internal” nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/16/mon… – 8:00 AM Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
This was Deandre Ayton’s last defensive possession of the game that appeared to prompt Monty to sub him out for the final time. pic.twitter.com/Bqj2w47mA9 – 1:26 AM CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Suns’ Monty Williams hints at ‘internal’ reasons for only playing Deandre Ayton 17 minutes in Game 7 loss
cbssports.com/nba/news/suns-… – 12:34 AM J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
This week there’s gonna be a lot of stories/debates about “should Phoenix re-sign Deandre Ayton?” … that’s not really worth debating … those articles should have one word: Yes ** next topic ** … don’t let recency bias make you stupid – 12:25 AM Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
So Ayton played fewer than 20 minutes due to an “internal” matter, according 2 Williams. Let me guess? He was pissed he rarely touched the ball! When he should’ve been the primary focus considering Mavs were committed 2 playing small ball and the other four Suns were dry heavin’ – 11:57 PM Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
You better believe the Deandre Ayton sweepstakes begin with that game, too. Up to Phoenix, ultimately, if they want to pay him. But he’s a 23-year-old center that averaged 17/10 while playing good defense and largely having playoff success up until this series. He’s getting $$$. – 11:38 PM Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
If I’m Phoenix I’m not overreacting. I’m paying Ayton, I’m bringing back the core and running it back. The one major change I make is signing someone like Ricky Rubio to limit Chris Paul’s minutes. Someone who can be the main floor general if/when he breaks down – 11:32 PM J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
So to be clear for all you bamas that like to discredit accomplishments in hindsight … Dallas worked Phoenix in Game 7 to advance …. Monty Williams is still the rightful winner of Coach of the Year for the regular season – 11:17 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
We did not hear from Deandre Ayton postgame. Unclear if the team will go through exit interviews with the media and such. – 11:11 PM Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The five major cap space teams this offseason are the Magic, Pacers, Pistons, Spurs and Blazers. I’m guessing one of those teams throws the 25% max offer sheet at Ayton if he and Phoenix don’t agree to something first. – 11:10 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Deandre Ayton not speaking to the media tonight. – 11:06 PM David Locke @DLocke09
The NBA is fragile.
Phoenix just went from far and away best team in the NBA all season to out in 2nd round with a seemingly significant DeAndre Ayton issue and Chris Paul on a 4 year 120 million deal – 10:53 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mikal Bridges said he knows Monty Williams is taking the blame for the way these playoffs went for the Suns, but he insisted it’s squarely on the players – 10:53 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“His contract situation is between him and the front office. I care about him as a brother. Just making sure his mental is right…whatever happens, happens. Kind of hard to look so far in the future.” – Devin Booker on Deandre Ayton’s contract situation – 10:43 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Chris Paul was asked if he was going through something the past few games. He said no, adding that Monty Williams took the blame for this collapse but it should be on him instead.
“That’s on me as the point guard, as the leader of the team.” – 10:39 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“We all have to look inside. But I’m the head of the ship. If there is a reason why, point at me,” Suns head coach Monty Williams said. – 10:32 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“Me.”
Monty Williams took ownership for the way the Suns were out of sorts over the last few weeks in the playoffs.
I asked him how he weighs a 64-win season vs. the final result. Said he’s not going to let this bad night take away from what they accomplished during the season – 10:30 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“It’s internal.” Monty Williams when asked why Deandre Ayton only played 17 minutes. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs #NBAPlayoffs2022 – 10:30 PM Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
On Deandre Ayton playing just 17 minutes, Monty Williams: “It’s internal.” – 10:30 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“It’s internal.”
Monty Williams’ only 2 words when asked about Deandre Ayton not playing more minutes in Game 7 tonight – 10:30 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams on Deandre Ayton only playing 17 minutes tonight: “It’s internal.” – 10:30 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
I asked Monty Williams if there’s anything he attributes to the way the team has looked out of sorts the last couple of weeks and he said himself. Said he’s responsible for having the team ready. – 10:28 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“We’re a really good team. We had an off night and an inconsistent two weeks if I’m being honest,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. – 10:28 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Monty Williams: “We were the best team in the league all season long…We had an off night.” – 10:28 PM Dave McMenamin @mcten
Monty Williams asked how his team lost four out of five over the last couple weeks to lose the season: “Me” – 10:28 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Me. I’m the guy who is responsible to have us ready. That’s it.” #Suns coach Monty Williams #NBAPlayoffs2022 #NBAPlayoffs – 10:27 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Chris Paul is already in the media press conference room ready to take questions as Monty Williams is taking his turn. – 10:27 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“I told Jason (Kidd), ‘Y’all got us.’ They kicked our butts. That’s life,” Suns head coach Monty Williams said. – 10:26 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Monty Williams: “I told Jason , ‘You guys got us. You kicked our butts.’ That’s life.” – 10:26 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“I didn’t have them ready to play in a Game 7. (Dallas) played their tails off,” Suns head coach Monty Williams said. – 10:25 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Monty Williams, who won Coach of the Year, put the blame on himself: “I did not have us ready to play in a Game 7.” – 10:25 PM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Book/Bridges/Ayton first career Game 7: 22 points, 8/30 FGs. – 10:25 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“All year long, we’ve been hearing all the praises…and we’ve been taking it. Well, tonight, we’ve gotta take it.” – Monty Williams on the Suns’ loss, saying he didn’t have them ready to play in a Game 7 – 10:25 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams said he knows his team didn’t want to play basically its worst game of the season tonight. Talked to the group about hearing all the praise all year long and said tonight the Suns need to take the criticism tonight just like they took that praise. – 10:25 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“I told them I hurt for them. I know they didn’t want to play that way. We basically played our worst game of the season tonight,” Suns head coach Monty Williams said. – 10:25 PM Dave McMenamin @mcten
Monty Williams: “We basically played the worst game of the season tonight” – 10:24 PM Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Monty Williams: “We played the worst game of the season tonight.” – 10:24 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Monty Williams: “We basically played the worst game of the season tonight.” – 10:24 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams on Game 7: “I know they didn’t want to play that way. We basically played the worst game of the season tonight.” – 10:24 PM James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Serious question, is DeAndre Ayton getting that bag this summer? – 10:16 PM Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Now what? Coach of the year adjourned v adjusted. A quality successor must be found to relieve Paul in the near future. Ayton has not earned max investment. Bridges looked vastly overpaid for much of series, at both ends. Will Robert Sarver sell b4 investigation is completed? – 10:07 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Fair to question what the future holds for Deandre Ayton in Phoenix now. A title would’ve forced ownership to keep this group together. Withering like this in the 2nd round? DA will still want a max, but good luck convincing the front office he deserves it after this – 9:58 PM Rashad Mobley @rashad20
Monty Williams is thankful for the hardships and triumphs of his NBA journey undf.td/3LdtGnK – 9:54 PM Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
who gets a bigger contract this summer: ayton or brunson? – 9:53 PM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Suns had beaten this team 11 times in a row going into Game 3 of this series.
And now we’re about to get 2018 Draft slander forever… on what *may* be Deandre Ayton’s last game as a Sun pic.twitter.com/fNZdYHHy1B – 9:24 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
More boos after Deandre Ayton misses a pair of FTs. Suns down 35 – 9:17 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns are shooting an atrocious 24.4% from the field, going 3-of-14 from 3.
Booker is 0-for-7 for two points.
Paul 0-for-4 for one point.
Bridges 2-of-8 for four points.
Ayton 1-of-4 for 3 points, 3 fouls.
Crowder 2-of-6 for 5 points.
Wow. #NBAPlayoffs2022 #NBAPlayoffs #Mavs – 9:14 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Points at the half:
1 — Chris Paul
2 — Devin Booker
3 — Deandre Ayton
4 — Mikal Bridges
5 — Jae Crowder pic.twitter.com/xDHRMgkUip – 9:10 PM Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Need @Matt Williams to tell me if a team’s five starters have ever scored exactly 1 (Paul), 2 (Booker), 3 (Ayton), 4 (Bridges), and 5 (Crowder) points in an NBA half. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, what’s up @CountVonCount – 9:08 PM Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Another reason why end-of-the-season awards need to be announced before the beginning of the playoffs: Monty Williams JUST received Coach of the Year, and now he looks crazy. – 9:01 PM Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
They’ve been tending negatively this whole series against the Mavericks but now don’t recognize this Suns team. At all. That had to be the worst first half they’ve played all season. Chris Paul isn’t dictating a thing. Ayton and Booker are the complete opposite of automatic. SMH – 9:00 PM Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
At halftime, Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have combined for 6 points on 1-of-15 shooting from the field. – 8:58 PM Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Luka outplaying all of CP3, Booker and Ayton? Ok. Suns can live with that.
but Dinwiddie????? – 8:56 PM Andrew Sharp @andrewsharp
Shocked by how shook the Suns are. From top to bottom. Ayton and Paul the worst but everyone so bad. – 8:53 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Luka Doncic: 19 points and 9 rebounds.
Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton: 6 points and 6 rebounds.
Wow. – 8:53 PM John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Down 21, Ayton off floor, and never even tried to involve Booker in the play. But may I interest you in Biyombo on the block? – 8:50 PM Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
3 fouls on Deandre Ayton, which is 2 more field goals than Ayton, Chris Paul and Devin Booker have made so far. Combined. – 8:47 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
This much I know: Monty Williams is about to deliver an all-time halftime speech to the Suns, who were the best team this regular season and are in real danger now of being eliminated by the Mavs. – 8:47 PM Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges are 2-of-18 from the field so far in Game 7. – 8:47 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton 3rd foul. Comes out with 3:57 left in half.
Biyombo in. #Suns down 18. – 8:46 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Deandre Ayton just picked up his 3rd foul on another offensive foul. Bismack Biyombo will check in for him. Suns down 18 – 8:46 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Three fouls on Ayton – 8:46 PM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
it took until 4:21 left in the 2Q for Chris Paul/Devin Booker/Deandre Ayton to record their first made field goal combined. – 8:46 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton dunk off Booker feed.
Booker gets to rim, fouled by Ayton. two fouls on Ayton.
#Suns down 43-25 as Doncic hits FTs. #NBAPlayoffs2022 – 8:46 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns force shot clock violation with 5:29 left in half. Down 16 as Ayton is called for offensive foul. #NBAPlayoffs2022 – 8:43 PM Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are 0-for-11 from the field.
Luka Doncic is 6-for-8 and has 8 rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie is 5-for-7. – 8:43 PM Brad Townsend @townbrad
That was a 10-0 Mavs before the Ayton free-throw, but it felt like it could have been 20-0. – 8:42 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Some boos from the crowd after Deandre Ayton misses back-to-back looks right in the paint. Dinwiddie hits another 3. Suns down 15 – 8:41 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton misses two point blank shots the rim. #Suns down 15 with 6:30 left in half as Dinwiddie again from 3. #NBAPlayoffs2022 #NBAPlayoffs
Doncic checks in with 6:24 left in half. – 8:41 PM Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton: combined 0-11 from the floor. – 8:41 PM Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
How was Ayton spooked inside there?? – 8:40 PM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Ayton checking back in after getting only one shot off in first quarter. Mavericks have done a great job keeping the ball out of his hands inside – 8:40 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Zero field goals for Ayton, Booker and Paul in the first quarter. – 8:26 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Landry Shamet and Cam Johnson in for Chris Paul and Jae Crowder.
Biyombo checking in I assume for Ayton.
Shamet corner 3.
Dinwiddie answer 3. #Suns down eight. – 8:17 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka Doncic starts the game with a fadeaway in the paint over Deandre Ayton and a step-back 3 from the corner. Mavericks up 5-3 two minutes in. – 8:05 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Doncic got Ayton on a switch,
Fadeaway good. #Suns down 2-0. – 8:03 PM Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs starters: Bullock, DFS, Powell, Brunson, Doncic
Suns starters: Bridges, Crowder, Ayton, Booker, Paul
7:02 tip @theeagledallas – 7:39 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Same starters for both teams
Suns: Paul, Booker, Bridges, Crowder, Ayton
Mavs: Brunson, Doncic, Bullock, Finney-Smith, Powell – 7:33 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I used to have hair.” Monty Williams when asked about Chris Paul being older, but says the #Suns point guard is at his best in situations like this. #Mavs #NBAPlayoffs2022 #NBAPlayoffs #NBASundays #Game7s pic.twitter.com/UQlAFnEkKk – 7:20 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Just making the simple play, that’s something we’ve done all year.” Monty Williams heading into #Suns-#Mavs Game 7. #NBAPlayoffs2022 #NBASundays #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/WytOvOApDF – 7:14 PM Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
I think Phoenix wins tonight BUT it’s going to have to be because of the young guys, not CP3.
People already being weird about the Year 17 point guard lol… I’m looking at Book, Bridges, Ayton. They have to come through on their levels. It’s their time – 6:59 PM Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Huge difference in moods before Game 7 in Phoenix. Jason Kidd wants his players to be loose. Monty Williams definitely taking a serious tone. Both appropriate considering the expectations – 6:51 PM Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Suns coach Monty Williams with wise words about Game 7: “Nobody’s going off to war or anything like that. But it’s important to us, coaches, players, the organization, the city. I thought about it all day. And all night. That’s just how it is.” – 6:30 PM Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Suns coach Monty Williams ahead of Game 7 on Chris Paul, who’s had four consecutive underwhelming games: “In games like this, on days like this, this is when he does his best stuff, and I’m looking forward to that.” – 6:25 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams on the Suns’ approach to Game 7 today: “For me it’s like, do what we do no matter where we are.”
Said they’ve obviously made adjustments, but today is all about playing hard, executing and not overthinking – 6:21 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Every game consumes you, but this is Game 7.” #Suns coach Monty Williams. #Mavs #NBAPlayoffs2022 #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/Uig0lLHXoV – 6:19 PM Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“I thought about it all day. All night. That’s how it is. I’m not going to tell you I was able to go into my backyard and prune. That didn’t happen,” Suns head coach Monty Williams about his Game 7 nerves. – 6:18 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams agreed with Jae Crowder’s sentiment yesterday that a lot of the turnovers come down to a bit of overthinking. Wants to see his team make the simple and right play tonight. – 6:18 PM