OKC Thunder face red hot Suns – 3 keys to match

OKC Thunder key No. 2: Ayton offers a great litmus test for Brown

Since returning from the G-League bubble Moses Brown has appeared in 28 games, 24 as a starter. He’s averaged a double-double of 10 points and 10.1 rebounds plus one block.

In the initial 20 games of that segment, Brown was feasting averaging 11.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and was getting to the line 3.9 times per game.

However, there’s been a notable regression of late, even with his 16 points, seven rebounds effort versus the Pacers. Through his last eight games, his numbers have plummeted to 6.8 points, 7.8 rebounds,  0.3 blocks, and his free throw attempts have dropped to 1.4 per game.

Part of the regression could be fatigue or perhaps teams are figuring him out. His defense as Intentions has noted in recent grades is also regressing. He’s young so there is time for growth and development.

In today’s match, he’ll have an opportunity to show how well he can perform against another young big via a matchup versus Deandre Ayton.

Ayton’s overall stats are down this season from 18.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks to 14.8, 8.7, and 1.1 respectively. However, there is a good reason behind the slight regression — he’s playing in more of a team-oriented system that promotes everyone performing well.  Clearly, the Point God aspect is in full effect. And that is most recognizable by his defensive improvement.

In Ayton’s first season he was a negative -1.1 player but has improved to a net-zero this season meaning the team doesn’t suffer with him on the court.

This is the perfect litmus test for Brown to showcase his overall skill set.