Chris Paul praises Deandre Ayton for adjusting his game

Suns star Chris Paul praised third-year center Deandre Ayton for changing his game and adapting to the team, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic tweets.

Ayton has improved his activity on both ends despite a decrease in his numbers, serving as a valuable screen-setter and rebounder for one of the best teams in the league.

Paul, a 16-year veteran, mentioned that every player on Phoenix has grown this season, although has none quite like Ayton. He has served as a key cog in the Suns' success and has accepted the idea of starring in his role, averaging 14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

There’s more out of the Western Conference:

• The Warriors‘ loss to the Timberwolves on Thursday was their most consequential defeat of the season, Anthony Slater of The Athletic writes. Golden State lost the contest 126-114 (and was out-rebounded by 23), although the team bounced back on Saturday to defeat Houston 113-87.
• The Suns could be facing a sizable money crunch soon, Zach Lowe of ESPN notes. Star guard Devin Booker is under a maximum-salary contract, veteran Chris Paul owns a $44.2 million player option for next season and both Ayton and Mikal Bridges will be eligible for extensions this summer. Rival executives believe Bridges could command $20 million per season in free agency, Lowe reports.
• Nuggets guard Jamal Murray reunited with his team and offered an inspiring message on Saturday, Mike Singer of the Denver Post writes. Murray suffered a torn ACL last month and re-emphasized that the Nuggets still have one major goal: win the championship. “You just felt the energy lift when he walked in,” teammate PJ Dozier said. “We cheered for him. Just good to have our brother back. Good to see him, see him doing well at that. We just wanted to make sure his spirits were high.”