Deandre Ayton participated in Game 4, which is essential to the Phoenix Suns' chances of winning the championship.

Deandre Ayton participated in Game 4, which is essential to the Phoenix Suns' chances of winning the championship.

Ayton did not have the points to stand out in the second half but was engaged throughout, something the Suns and fans should be proud of

Deandre Ayton participated in Game 4, which is essential to the Phoenix Suns' chances of winning the championship.

Although Deandre Ayton may not be paying attention, the cacophony is always ringing in his ears.

The Phoenix Suns' starter who receives the most flak is Ayton. Given that he was chosen first overall in the 2018 draught, he has very high expectations, but some of those expectations have grown exaggerated.

Even though Ayton has averaged a double-double over the course of his five NBA seasons, some fans are still calling for him to become the next David Robinson or Hakeem Olajuwon, to whom he was likened once he departed Arizona after one season in college.

Even if Ayton isn't flawless, he is nonetheless significant. In Game 4 of their first-round playoff series, the Suns frequently put him first, and it resulted in the involvement from Ayton that fans unquestionably want for.

Phoenix defeat the Clippers by a score of 112-100 to grab a 3-1 series lead in Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena. The majority of fans will recall the superstar tandem of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker's 61-point combined effort. Before the Suns enter the court for Game 5 on Tuesday, even Chris Paul's 12-point fourth quarter, which featured a trick jumper from the corner, will be mocked.

Ayton's performance won't get much praise, but it deserves some. With 15 points and 13 rebounds, four of which were on the offensive glass, he recorded his third consecutive double-double. He was attentive and involved, something the Suns needed. If they consistently receive it from him, it ought to be enough for him to help them win their first championship.

Ayton's ability to find ways to contribute to victory was commended by Suns coach Monty Williams before to Game 4. Although not every fan will give him credit for it, Ayton entered Saturday's game at No. 5 in defensive rebounds and No. 12 in offensive rebounds this playoffs. Although it may not have had Joel Embiid's power, it was still sufficient to give the Suns a 2-1 series lead.

In Game 3, Ayton drew flak. Only four out of nine of his shots were made, and he was the only Suns starter with a negative plus/minus (minus-5) overall. Los Angeles used a five-guard lineup without Kawhi Leonard, but Phoenix's big man struggled to find the ball, bobbled a pass here and there, and was given little opportunities to make his presence felt.

The Suns had the opportunity to send the ball to their starters early after Booker's 45-point effort in Game 3 and because they needed to keep integrating Durant. However, they gave Ayton first priority.

He made the group's most memorable effort and had four of their initial seven. Ayton missed his initial two endeavors yet made his next pair, including a tip shot that aided give the Suns an early lead.

For the duration of the game, those four possessions won't matter much, but Ayton's confidence likely did. He is only 24 years old, keep in mind.

Ayton played a significant role in the Suns gaining an early advantage on the glass. He had three offensive rebounds in the first quarter, which helped his team score. Phoenix rapidly fell behind, but Ayton didn't give up.

In the second quarter, he had two dunks, including one with Paul that required considerable power. At the half, Ayton had 11 points, five of ten from the field, and seven rebounds.

Better still? He had a plus-4 rating, which was second among Phoenix's starters (Paul had a plus-10) at the time.

The rest of the game proceeded like it should in close games for the Suns. In the third quarter, Durant and Booker scored 23 points collectively, and Paul added 12 points in the fourth to seal the victory. Despite their comeback, the Clippers lacked the talent to compete with the Suns, who according to Paul had the greatest talent he's ever played with in his 18 NBA seasons.

Ayton won't have the most points to back him up, but he had a big influence during his time on the pitch. He finished with a plus-9, which was second in the game after Paul (+15).

As the postseason rages on, the sound lingers in Ayton's ears. In the not-so-distant past, he embarked on an unforgettable playoff journey, shattering records with his prowess in field-goals and snagging double-digit rebounds. In fact, precisely a year ago, the third game of the Suns' initial-round scuffle with the New Orleans Pelicans saw Ayton hit the peak of his playoffs thus far -- 28 points. It's no wonder supporters yearn to witness such heroics every game.

Coming might be that game where Ayton asserts himself, but so far he has yet to do so.

Ayton's performance on Saturday should be acknowledged by Suns fans, who ought to tone down their negative remarks.