Yahoo News Deandre Ayton doesn't start for Suns after missing coronavirus test
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton did not start for the Suns on Monday after missing his coronavirus test. Ayton was reportedly scheduled to take a test Sunday, but missed it, according to the broadcast.
Ayton has been a key contributor to a Suns team that hasn’t lost a game in the bubble. Ayton was averaging 18.2 points and 9.8 rebounds before Monday’s game.
Deandre Ayton doesn’t start during must-win game
Ayton’s missed test came with the Suns fighting for the ninth spot in the Western Conference. The team needs every win it can get to force a short series with the No. 8 seed.
The Suns beat the Thunder 128-101 on Monday to move a half-game behind the Portland Trail Blazers and into a tie with the San Antonio Spurs in the ninth spot.
Deandre Ayton able to play Monday
Despite missing his test Sunday, Ayton still played for the Suns on Monday. Ayton took a coronavirus test Monday morning, which came back negative. He was transported to the arena and was able to get into the game.
He finished with 10 points and six rebounds in 17 minutes.
Deandre Ayton made an innocent mistake
Following the contest, Suns coach Monty Williams said Ayton made an innocent mistake when he missed the test.
Suns head coach Monty Williams says Deandre Ayton made an innocent mistake by missing his coronavirus test yesterday, and he wasn’t the first one on the team to make the mistake. Ayton did get his test his negative test early this morning in time to play in the Thunder game.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 10, 2020
Williams said Ayton is not the first player on the Suns to miss a test during the restart. Williams also confirmed Ayton tested negative Monday morning before playing in Monday’s game.
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