(Phoenix) Mikal Bridges had 29 points on Monday, guiding the Phoenix Suns to a 114-106 win over the Toronto Raptors.
Bridges also provided six assists, three steals and a block.
Chris Paul hit the crucial shot, hitting the three-pointer with 1:30 remaining in the final quarter, giving the Suns a 106-102 lead.
Deandre Ayton had 22 points for the Suns, who have lost just once in their last seven games.
Paul finished the game with 19 points, eight more than Damion Lee.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 24 points and nine assists.
VanVleet has averaged 25.6 points in his last eight games.
Gary Trent added 21 points, including three 3-point shots.
Pascal Siakam scored 19 points, three more than Scottie Barnes.
Two days after a career high with 27 points, Precious Achiuwa went there by 11 points.
Malachi Flynn looked good with two 3-pointers in seven minutes.
Thad Young, also a reserve, did very well with four runs and three steals in 14 minutes.
Down by nine points at the half, Toronto scored the first 10 points of the third quarter, finishing the engagement up 84-82.
A running shot from Barnes gave the visitors a 100-99 lead with 3:20 on the clock.
Bridges replied with a basket, however, VanVleet fouled offensively and Bridges added another two points.
VanVleet closed the gap to just one point before Paul’s crucial shot, on the heels of an offensive rebound from Torrey Craig.
Prior to the game, the Raptors announced that OG Anunoby will not play this week with a left wrist injury.
The team will complete a seven-game road trip visiting the Jazz, Rockets and Grizzlies.
NBA co-leader with 2.1 steals per game this season, Anunoby was injured Friday in a setback against Golden State. He then missed a win for his family in Portland.
The journey began with a victory in Sacramento.
The Raptors’ next game is Wednesday night in Salt Lake City (Sportsnet One).
With a 23-29 record, the Toronto club are a game and a half from 10e rank in the East.
Suns’ Dario Saric had 11 points including six in 2:18 early in the final quarter.
Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet were absent, bored on the right foot.
Star player Devin Booker hasn’t played since Christmas Day aggravating a groin injury.