Ayton became an instant hero with his last-second tip-in that secured a 104-103 win over the Clippers in Game 2. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Suns' Deandre Ayton on critics: 'I still think they doubt me'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/23/21

Phoenix Suns star big man Deandre Ayton became an instant hero with his last-second tip-in Tuesday night that secured a 104-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers and a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals:

EVERY ANGLE of Jae Crowder's pinpoint pass to Deandre Ayton to win Game 2 for the @Suns! #NBAPlayoffs #ThatsGame #NBAWCF presented by AT&T continues with Game 3 on Thursday at 9pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/JMEXIj0erK
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2021

That moment was hardly a one-off for Ayton, as he recorded a combined 44 points and 23 rebounds across the first two games against the Clippers. With the Suns a pair of victories away from playing in the NBA Finals, Ayton spoke with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated about fans and other observers who have criticized him throughout the early stages of his NBA career. The 22-year-old explained:

"I still think they doubt me. I still think they don’t believe yet. I might be turning some heads with people that know basketball, like front-office types, and people that really know the game. I know I am probably stepping into the right direction. But I don’t think the world truly, truly sees that.

"But if I can win this whole thing, that is where I can get my reputation. That is where I can be a star."

A report surfaced earlier on Wednesday that Suns guard Chris Paul intends to play in Thursday's Game 3 after missing the past two matchups due to testing positive for COVID-19 last week, so Ayton and company might have even more momentum heading into what's become a must-win showdown for the Clippers.

More must-reads: