Luka Doncic has unlocked Jaxson Hayes, who is grateful

Hayes also held his own on the defensive end, fighting over screens and stopping Bradley Beal and Devin Booker from getting to the rim. In 10.7 partial possessions guarding Booker, he allowed the Suns star to attempt only one shot and forced him into a turnover. Beal was held to 1-of-3 shooting before leaving the game with a hamstring strain. 

After his stellar showing, Hayes thanked Doncic for unlocking his game.

"Man, that's the best point guard in the league," Hayes said of Doncic, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "So, I trust he's going to find me every time I get open. My job is to get him open as well. It's like a relationship — you've both got to contribute something."

The second part of his statement is even more telling. As a perennial lob threat, Hayes realizes that defenses will key in on trying to stop him at the rim, which also helps Doncic get open. Dereck Lively II similarly helped Doncic last season. 

Hayes is averaging 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks from 28.0 minutes in March. That's a far cry from his career averages of 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds from 16.3 minutes. The Doncic effect is real.