Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton said he is fine after taking a shot to the face from Herb Jones on Sunday in a 110-99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1 of the playoffs.
The play unfolded with about three minutes left in the game after Jonas Valanciunas slammed in a dunk to cut the deficit to 13 points. Immediately following the play, Jones inadvertently ran into Ayton attempting to pick up Chris Paul on defense.
The replay showed that Jones’ left shoulder smashed right into Ayton’s face. Ayton was a bit dazed following the collision and the officials later reviewed the play to see if it reached the criteria for a flagrant foul. They determined the contact was incidental and no further action was needed.
Afterward, Ayton reacted to the shot by Jones.
I’m fine. If that’s how they want to start the series, then so be it. It’s a physical game, it’s the playoffs. Hits like that count. Regular season, you got 81 more after a game like that but we’re in the playoffs. It didn’t look like he did it intentionally — it’s part of the game — so I’m not really going crazy over no hit.
Herb Jones golpeó con el hombro a Ayton y el pivote quedó mareado. pic.twitter.com/iXKXJLk2O6
— Isolation (@isolation_nba) April 18, 2022
The reaction on social media to the hit mostly sided with Jones and the officials’ ruling that the contact was inadvertent. However, TNT analyst and Hall of Famer Reggie Miller thought it was a purposeful hit by Jones and believed the rookie could have avoided the collision.
Suns head coach Monty Williams also believed it was incidental.
I’ve got to look at the film. The coaches told me they didn’t think it was a malicious shot, but nonetheless, it was a physical game. … I’m not quite sure it was a malicious shot. I’ve got to look at the film to make sure but I didn’t see that.
Jones established himself as one of the top defenders in the league this season. He has often drawn praise from his peers for his ability on that end of the floor, including Suns guard Devin Booker. He hasn’t earned a reputation of being a reckless player and likely didn’t mean any harm.
Game 2 between the two teams is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 p.m. EDT.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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