From the opening tip, Ayton was a force to be reckoned with. He started strong, sinking mid-range shots and displaying his tenacity on the boards. With a relentless fight for offensive rebounds, he tipped in crucial points, proving his critics wrong who have labeled him as lazy. Scoring 15 points and grabbing multiple rebounds, Ayton’s hustle was undeniable. His defensive prowess shone brightly as he secured key rebounds and made pivotal plays that swung momentum in favor of the Blazers.