'Just dominance': Deandre Ayton's mindset going into Phoenix Suns season opener

Deandre Ayton talked all things during Monday's media availability as Phoenix Suns head into Wednesday's season opener against Dallas at Footprint Center.

The Mavericks eliminated the Suns from the playoffs with a 33-point win in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Feelings going into opener: "I'm very excited. I love basketball."

Camp physicality: "Finally using what we've been working on against each other, seeing it progress. Just seeing the chemistry between us. We've been very talkative, especially when we've been fatigued. That's what I've liked about this group. Very competitive to where we're beating up on each other a little too much, but we're ready."

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On having extra motivation to play Dallas: "We're coming in with the same mindset as every opponent. Not too high, not too low. Just come in and play hard and make sure we get better."

Facing former Suns teammate JaVale McGee: "It's going to be fun. We definitely know what he can do well. It should be fun, man. It should be a lot of jokes and laughter after the game, but during the game, it'll be interesting."

On having chip on shoulder going into the season: "I do that every year, man. Getting better every year. If people don't believe it, I show it. Other than that, I just try to do what's best for the name on the shirt. Whatever it is, I try to be the best at it."

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Outlook this season: "Just dominance, man. Just taking it every day. Doing what everybody expects. Just taking over and controlling the game."

On Cam Johnson's being eligible for rookie extension: "You control what you can control. Everybody knows that. Cam is a smart dude. What he does best is focus on him and just focus on his game and let his guys handle that. He's a guy who trusts his team. I'm sure he's in good hands."

Suns injury update: Who's going to be ready for opener?

Read more: Suns open brutal 5-game stretch with rematch versus Mavs

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Just dominance': Deandre Ayton's mindset going into Suns opener