(Toronto) Gary Trent Jr. tied his season high with 35 points as the Toronto Raptors edged the Phoenix Suns 113-104 on Friday night.
With the game tied 101-101, Scottie Barnes hit a three-point field goal with 3:16 to go, followed by a three-point shot from Christian Koloko to stretch the Raptors’ lead to six points.
That was enough for the Torontonians, who capped off 2022 by ending a two-game losing streak and five-game losing streak at Scotiabank Arena.
The Raptors (16-20) went 5-10 in December.
Pascal Siakam had 26 points for the Raptors. OG Anunoby had 16 points while Barnes had 11.
The Suns (20-17) suffered a second straight loss. Chris Paul had 20 points and 12 assists, Mikal Bridges had 21 points and Torrey Craig added 13.
The Raptors held an 86-79 lead after three quarters, but Bridges hit a three-pointer and a stride shot to give the Suns a 99-97 lead with 4:41 to go.
The Raptors were without star point guard Fred VanVleet, who is struggling with back spasms, and Precious Achiuwa with an ankle injury.
In particular, the Suns had to manage without star player Devin Booker, who suffers from a strained groin.