Suns' Monty Williams' two-word explanation on why Deandre Ayton only played 17 minutes in Game 7

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton only played 17 minutes in the team’s Game 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night despite being an integral part of the team’s success in the regular season and the playoff the last two years.

It was the third time in the series Ayton played fewer than 30 minutes. He had played 32 minutes or more in the first-round series against the New Orleans Pelicans. When questioned about it, the newly crowned NBA Coach of the Year didn’t elaborate so much on his decision.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during Game 6 of the semifinals against the Mavericks on May 12, 2022, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

"It’s internal," he said, via 98.7 Arizona Sports.

NBA journalist Nate Duncan noted the last defensive possession before Ayton was subbed out. Ayton failed to close out on a Jalen Brunson.

Devin Booker also commented on Ayton’s contract situation.

SUNS' CHRIS PAUL 'NOT RETIRING' FOLLOWING PLAYOFF EXIT, MAKES DUBIOUS HISTORY IN LOSS TO MAVERICKS

Suns head coach Monty Williams argues a foul called against the Suns with referee Tre Maddox during a game Dec. 16, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

"His contract situation is between him and the front office. I care about him as a brother. Just making sure his mental is right... whatever happens, happens. Kind of hard to look so far in the future," Booker said, via FanSided.

Ayton is set to become a restricted free agent ahead of the 2022-23 season, According to Spotrac, Ayton could receive a $16.4 million qualifying offer.

Ph