Deande Ayton of the Trail Blazers responds to the challenge against the Clippers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton had an impressive defensive performance in a 106-105 win over the LA Clippers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome.

Ayton also showed off a new skill that could become a semi-regular part of his offensive repertoire.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups challenged Ayton to disrupt center Ivica Zubac, who was off to the best start of his career.

One on one. No help. Defend. Limit rebounding.

“It’s up to you tonight,” Billups told Ayton.

Zubac entered the game averaging 22.7 points and 14.0 rebounds per game, both career highs. Against the Blazers, Zubac only scored six points with 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Ayton scored 15 points with 12 rebounds.

“(Ayton) made life difficult for Zubac today,” Blazers forward Deni Avdija said.

Ayton said he took the challenge to heart.

“Zubac started the season with monstrous numbers,” Ayton said. “The guy is a damn rebound machine.”

The game ultimately ended with Ayton defending against Zubac. With 2.9 seconds left, James Harden tried to pass the ball to Zubac in the key. Ayton stole the pass, sealing the win.

Ayton gave his teammates some credit for helping outsmart Zubac and getting pinned defensively.

“Just coming together as a team and communicating,” Ayton said. “Communication is above all.”

On offense, Ayton showed that he could have developed into a three-point threat.

Ayton, who came into the game making the first of three 3-point attempts this season, missed one in the first half but then converted one from the corner in the fourth quarter to cut the Clippers' lead to 98-87 with 5:03 left.

With the Blazers leading 106-105 with seconds left, guard Anfernee Simons drove into the lane, found Zubac and passed out to Ayton in the corner. Without hesitation, Ayton shot but missed.

On the next play he intercepted the pass for Zubac.

Could “Ayton from the Corner” become the norm?

“I wouldn’t say that,” Billups said. “But I designed that.

Because Zubac, Billups said, is one of the NBA's better rim protectors, the strategy was to have Ayton line up in the corner to draw Zubac out and clear the lane for Simons.

Simons benefited from the strategy, but also found himself in situations where he had to pass out against Ayton. Simons did so without hesitation, even when the game was on the line.

“He used to hit one,” Simons said. “He shot confidently.”

Ayton's miss didn't bother Billups.

“I was very happy with this shot because I know he’s working on it,” Billups said. “And he wants to show people that he can do it.”

Ayton regretted missing that crucial shot.

“I just needed the last turn three,” said Ayton.

His teammates teased him after the game, but not because he missed.

“My whole team said, 'If you had done that, no one would have been able to tell you anything,'” Ayton said. “That’s a fact.”

He is more than ready to take on more opportunities.

“I have to hand it to Chauncey,” Ayton said, before smiling and adding, “I don’t want to spice it up too much.”