The Suns prevailed last night in Toronto. It was not easy. Both reached the final moments with options after a game in which there were hardly any differences and in which Phoenix gave the final blow to the personnel line –it was infallible– to win 95-99, cut a streak of six wins by the Canadians and become the sole leader of the Western Conference with a balance of 31-9.
In those of Arizona no one stood out, but everyone contributed; so much so that his entire starting quintet was in double scoring figures. The top scorer was Jae Crowder with 19 points, Chris Paul signed a double-double of 15 points and 12 assists and Devin Booker contributed another 15 points, including the basket that definitively put the Suns ahead in the fourth quarter.
Questioned about the development of the match, Monty Williams is glad that his boys maintained defensive consistency, since there were many errors in between, especially in ball control, since they committed up to 20 turnovers that translated into 18 points from the Raptors.
“When you have so many turnovers and give so many extra possessions, you better do something right. I think our half-court defense was solid.”
25 points of Anunoby
Toronto fell, but fought to the end. Nick Nurse’s boys have found their game rhythm and last night they stood up to the current NBA finalist despite not having Scottie Barnes or Gary Trent Jr.. OG Anunoby left with 25 points, Pascal Siakam added 22 and Fred VanVleet contributed another 21. The base, despite being hurt by the defeat, highlights that the team did not give up at any time.
“You have to give them credit. They are one of the best teams in the league for a reason. They closed the game at the end, but I think we had a good fight, “he says.
In the Canadians, Chris Boucher also had a remarkable performance from the bench to complete his night with a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds. The center believes that they were wrong in several aspects, but he is left with the opportunity to win until the end. “We didn’t have Scottie or Gary, they are two important pieces for us, but we held on. We don’t shoot well. There are many things that did not go as we wanted, but we still found a way to stay involved in the game, “he says.
(Photograph by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)