LA Lakers center Deandre Ayton’s beef with Houston Rockets counterpart Clint Capela is an intriguing subplot in the first-round series between the two Western Conference teams.
In the second quarter of Game 2 on Tuesday, Ayton completed an alley-oop dunk against Capela, prompting fans to react.
One fan wrote:
“He said he ain’t Clint Capela.”
Another fan added:
“Backing up the talk.”
One more fan continued:
“I knew he was better. He’s not Capela.”
Another fan commented:
“That was personal.”
One fan tweeted:
“That sh*t meant something to him.”
The Ayton-Capela social media feud started in late February after the Lakers’ 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic. ESPN reported that Ayton ranted following the big man’s role on offense under JJ Redick’s system. Ayton reportedly pushed back at Redick’s strategy, “They’re trying to make me Clint Capela. I’m not no Clint Capela.”
Ayton was offended that Redick allegedly tried to limit his role as a rim-running center alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Capela has made a career in the NBA doing the same role.
Two nights after Ayton’s rant, Capela responded when the Lakers’ center struggled against the Phoenix Suns. Capela sent Ayton a message via an Instagram story:
“U got 2 of the best floor generals in the game, my dawg lockinnn.”
Ayton finished that game with 2 points and four rebounds, giving Capela reason to troll him. Ayton’s Game 2 dunk over Capela only spurred fans to add more hype to their beef.
Deandre Ayton and Clint Capela Struggled in First Half of Game 2
The much-ballyhooed Ayton-Capela clash did not live up to the hype in the first half of Game 2. Ayton’s only basket in 15 minutes of action was the completed lob from Marcus Smart. LA’s starting center contributed two points, two rebounds and one assist. The Lakers were outscored by seven points when Capela was on the floor.
The Rockets’ backup big man was nearly just as non-impactful. Capela went 0-for-3 in five minutes but added two rebounds and one block. Houston trailed by nine points with the 7-footer on the floor.
After a 54-51 halftime score, both Ayton and Capela have to step up to help their respective teams win.
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