Raptors Struggle in Blowout Loss to Suns, Fall 129-89 in Phoenix

PHOENIX – Toronto started strong, leading 29-24 at the end of the first quarter, but things quickly unraveled in the second. The Suns erupted for a 39-11 quarter, turning a five-point deficit into a 23-point halftime lead. Devin Booker spearheaded the surge, scoring 13 of his game-high 27 points in a dominant 15-2 Suns run to start the second quarter.

Despite being without Bradley Beal due to a left hamstring injury, Phoenix found contributions across the board. Ryan Dunn had 17 points, Tyus Jones hit four three-pointers on his way to 15 points, Kevin Durant added 14, and Royce O’Neale posted an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. Thirteen different Suns players registered a basket as the team cruised to its largest win of the season.

Final Score

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For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes led the way with 16 points, while Immanuel Quickley contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Toronto was already facing an uphill battle with RJ Barrett (illness), Gradey Dick (right knee bruise), and Jakob Poeltl (rest) all out. To compound their struggles, head coach Darko Rajakovic was forced to send out his 30th different starting lineup of the season.

Toronto was overwhelmed in the second quarter, where Phoenix outscored them 33-8 even with Durant on the bench for most of the frame. The Raptors shot just 38% from the field and hit only six of their 26 three-point attempts, while the Suns capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks to put the game away early.

The loss drops Toronto to 8-25 on the road this season as the team continues to battle injuries and lineup changes. Meanwhile, Phoenix’s win moves them one game behind Dallas for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.

The Raptors will look to bounce back when they visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.