The Toronto Raptors stumbled late in the game before losing 114-106 to the Phoenix Suns on Monday at the Footprint Center.
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After coming from behind to take an 84-82 lead in the fourth quarter, Nick Nurse’s men were unable to stop a hungry Suns late in the game. Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton joined forces to put the game out of reach for the visitors.
It was a particularly difficult night from downtown for the Raptors, who were successful on just nine of 33 attempts (27.3%). Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., with 24 and 21 points respectively, were the most productive players in the loss.
Montrealer Chris Boucher was more in demand than in his previous 18 games. In 24 minutes of play, he had 11 rebounds and five points.
Without Anunoby
At the heart of a crucial streak in their schedule, the Raptors will be without the services of OG Anunoby for the next three games.
The London native injured his wrist in a crash in a 123-105 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He did not suffer a fracture, but will be sidelined for the remainder of the Raps’ trip to the American West.
This season, Anunoby averaged 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He is also the tied leader in steals per game on the Silver Tour, with 2.1.
The 25-year-old athlete did not choose his moment to find himself on the floor. The “Raps” are trying to salvage their season and climb the standings to make the playoffs. Ranking 12th in the Eastern Association, they will have to impress by the deadline for transactions, February 9, to convince the Toronto staff not to become a seller.
Anunoby is precisely one of the players arousing the most interest from other teams. According to the FOX Sports network, he would not be happy with the Raptors and he could pack his bags if a team is willing to pay top dollar for his services.
The New York Knicks and Suns have reportedly knocked on the door of the Queen City team to acquire Anunoby, who will receive an annual salary of $18.6 million until 2025.