(Toronto) Jae Crowder had 19 points including 13 in the second quarter on Tuesday, helping the Phoenix Suns snatch a 99-95 victory over the Raptors in Toronto.
Posted at 10:45 p.m.
Updated at 11:45 p.m.
The Raptors led 90-89 with 1: 41 on the clock, the result of free throws by OG Anunoby. Timely baskets from Devin Booker and Chris Paul tipped the scales, however, and then the visitors remained in control.
All Suns starters had at least 12 points including Booker (16), Deandre Ayton (16), Paul (15) and Mikal Bridges (12), in addition to Crowder. The latter was 5 in 11 for three-pointers.
Defending champions in the West, the Suns overcame 20 turnovers and got off to a good start on a five-game trip.
Among the Raptors (20-18), Anunoby collected 25 points, Pascal Siakam 22 and Fred VanVleet 21.
“We can be proud of our fighting spirit and our efforts,” said VanVleet. The match was very intense. The Suns took their game up a notch – there’s a reason they’re the best in the league (31-9). It was a good test for us, and we responded present. ”
Gary Trent (ankle) and Scottie Barnes (knee) were absent, depriving the Raptors of their fourth and fifth pointers.
Celebrating his 29th birthday, Chris Boucher did very well, registering 13 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. On the field for 37 minutes, the Montrealer played tenaciously, both in attack and defense.
“We were missing some big pieces in Scottie and Gary, but we just hung on,” said Boucher.
“Despite several streaks where it didn’t work out in our favor, we stayed in the game. It will give us confidence. You have to play like that against everyone, not just the good teams. ”
Toronto will replay Friday, in Detroit. This will be the starting point of a journey of five meetings.