The Toronto Raptors were a three-point underdog heading into their game on Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns at the Scotiabank Arena. Many people involved in the NBA thought the line should have been significantly higher. The Raptors were on the second game of a back-to-back. They were beaten convincingly 115-103 to the Brooklyn Nets in the midseason tournament on Tuesday, and did not arrive home to Toronto until the early part of Wednesday morning because of airplane issues.
Yet, somehow, and someway, the Raptors snapped the Suns’s seven game winning streak. It was Toronto that seemed to have more energy throughout the contest, and in the process beat a Phoenix team that is expected to contend for a championship this year.
We have documented two great comebacks Toronto has had this year against the Washington Wizards and San Antonio Spurs. However, on this night the Raptors did not need to have any significant comeback, as they had a great first quarter. They outscored Phoenix 27-20 after the first 12 minutes, and had a 60-53 lead at half time.
Toronto had six players reach double digits in scoring. Shooting guard Scottie Barnes of West Palm Beach, Florida led the Raptors with 23 points. Power forward Pascal Siakam of Douala, Cameroon had 22 points. Center Jakob Poeltl of Vienna, Austria had 17 points, power forward Precious Achiuwa of Port Harcourt, Nigeria had 14 points, and small forward O.G. Anunoby of London, Great Britain and Gary Trent Jr. of Apple Valley, Minnesota had 13 points each. Achiuwa actually had the double-double as he had 10 rebounds, impressive when you consider the fact he did not start.
With the win, the Raptors improve to a record of nine wins and 10 losses. They are 10th in the East, and next play the New York Knicks on Friday.
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