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Deandre Ayton gains Joel Embiid's respect, but loses battle of big men as Suns fall to 76ers

“Oh my God. He’s about to get his ass kicked this year.” – Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Joel Embiid about Phoenix Suns rookie center Deandre Ayton before the season.

PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid got the better of Deandre Ayton in leading Philadelphia to a 119-114 win Monday night, but the Suns rookie 7-footer earned the All-Star center’s respect.

“I think a lot people usually misunderstand me,” Embiid said. “I talk a lot of trash. I’m always going to do that, but the one thing I’ve always said about him is that he has a lot of potential.