Deandre Ayton has found a different kind of rhythm in these playoffs, and it\u2019s coming on the defensive end.<\/p>\n
While much of the focus has been on how the Los Angeles Lakers have slowed down Kevin Durant, the work being done inside against Alperen Sengun has been just as important.<\/p>\n
Ayton, alongside Jaxson Hayes, has played a major role in limiting the Rockets\u2019 All-Star big man and disrupting Houston\u2019s offensive flow.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been fun. I\u2019m not gonna lie, especially just having a team out there that have your back and everybody just dialed in on the defensive end,\u201d Ayton said<\/a> after Thursday\u2019s practice. \u201cDefensive has been fun on that end with the communication and the terminologies we\u2019ve created in practice and the schemes we\u2019ve created as well\u2026 Just being players, adjusting to certain coverages that they\u2019ve thrown at us, all of that is just fun. Just being at war with guys that are on the same mission as you.<\/p>\n \u201cI just need to be in position. I\u2019m in a winning position, winning team, and a team that wants to win\u2026 It turns everything up a notch. My level of focus, level of intent. Everything\u2019s really just amplified. Just being consistent as well with what the team wants. That\u2019s about it. Just showing passion for the game. A lot of people try to make it a mockery, but I love this game. I love to compete, I love to model myself after being a two-way player in this league and I take pride in that. The playoffs is where you can show it the best. I\u2019m loving it.\u201d<\/p>\n Another key area for Los Angeles has been limiting second-chance opportunities, something Ayton emphasized requires constant effort.<\/p>\n With Houston expected to adjust, Ayton\u2019s defensive presence will remain central, and if his words are anything to go by, he\u2019s more than ready for the fight.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/basketballforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ForeverBet-BF-promotional-banner-3.jpg\")