Phoenix Suns won against the Raptors physical play, end Toronto’s season-high 6-game winning streak
Defending Western Conference Champions Phoenix Suns were playing against the 2019 NBA Champions Toronto Raptors. Phoenix had the best record in the NBA while the Raptors were surging ahead with their 6 consecutive wins. The game was intriguing already and lived up to its expectations.
The Suns had some tough time in the game and were dominated by the Raptors’ gutsy plays. But still, Phoenix managed to keep their composure and keep playing the catch-up game throughout the match.
The game had 15 lead changes and ties 10 times, raising the temperature in the empty arena. The Raptors were playing a hard game against Phoenix players in every possession. It altered the natural rhythm of the free-flowing Suns’ offense.
Devin Booker said, “It was a fight all night. They beat us up a little bit, but down the stretch, we picked it up a little bit and did what we had to do.” While Chris Paul accepted the physical challenge by the Raptors’ player, commented “That’s one of those games you’ve got to put your hard hat on.”
Booker had 16 points in the game, while Paul had a double-double with 15 points, 12 assists. Jae Crowder scored team-high 19 points for the Suns. He made some important points in the 2nd half to give Phoenix the lead and finally win the game.
OG Anunoy scored game-high 25 points. Pascal Siakam had a great game – 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists but birthday boy Chris Boucher stole the show with game-high 16 rebounds for the Raptors. He was playing in absence of regular starters like Scottie Barnes and Gary Trent Jr.
What does this win mean to the Suns?
A win against a cross-conference franchise might seem a “regular affair” to many but this particular one had special meaning. It signifies the capability of the Suns to overcome the adverse situation. They were beaten down, forced to take tough shots, and dominated throughout the game, still Phoenix players managed to find their way to the victory.
The Suns managed 15 fewer field goal attempts but were more efficient with their shots. Also, the Raptors grabbed a season-high 22 offensive rebounds which led to second-chance points. The Suns also committed 20 turnovers, leading to 18 points for the Raptors. Any team could have surrendered in this situation but the Suns kept playing their free-flowing basketball, trying to cut the lead.
With this win, Phoenix won 14 out of 17 away games, and hold on to the top spot in the league. Next up the Suns will face Indiana Pacers, while The Raptors will start their 5-game road trip with a game against the Pistons.
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