BREAKING REPORT:Deandre Ayton is achieving new heights in his career with the Blazers.

This week, the Portland Trail Blazers finished 1-3; their lone victory came in overtime on the road against the Houston Rockets. The Blazers started the week with a depressing loss in a contentious match against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They subsequently defeated the Rockets but then dropped games against the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.

There were many individual performances during the week that were particularly noteworthy in one or two game sample sizes. But this week’s Blazer of the Week is Deandre Ayton, who was able to put together the most outstanding run of games.

This year, Ayton has had moments of consistency issues and unpleasant appearances. On the other hand, this type of play is something that is more regularly anticipated when he is performing at his peak and completely engaged. In back-to-back games against the Spurs and Bulls, he scored twenty points, his highest total as a Blazer.

He also appeared to be a decent, if not outstanding, defensive player. With a squad full of excellent centers, Ayton almost only made it possible for Alperen Sengun to have a fantastic performance. It wasn’t Victor Wembanyama’s best game, but it was still good. In the Thunder’s game versus Portland, Chet Holmgren had less of an impact on the outcome, and Nikola Vucevic did okay but nothing special when the Bulls went to Portland.

Ayton, who has occasionally struggled with fouling, was able to defend these centers without drawing a foul. But this week, he was able to play for extended periods of time without having to take the bench.

All things considered, this was among Ayton’s best weeks as a Blazer thus far in his contract. He helped the Blazers win four close games by minimizing his flaws and using his skills.

Anfernee Simons earns this week’s honorable mention.

Simons scored 33 points against the Rockets and 40 points against the Spurs in back-to-back fantastic games. During his four games this week, he averaged 25.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 48.6% from the field. Although having trouble scoring baskets throughout the majority of the game against the Bulls, Simons managed to make a few clutch baskets in the fourth quarter, but the Blazers were unable to win. This week, Simons was criticized most for his turnovers and fouls. Although they weren’t too awful, the numbers did play a role. He significantly above his season norms in both turnovers (3.3) and fouls (3.5) per game.