Suns Rout Raptors to End 5-Game Skid
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns rediscovered their rhythm Sunday night, delivering a dominant 120-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors at the Footprint Center. The win snapped a season-worst five-game losing streak and provided a much-needed boost for a Phoenix team navigating a stretch of key injuries. The Suns improved to 40-32 on the season, while the Raptors fell to 39-31.
Booker and Green Lead the Charge
Devin Booker paced the Suns with 25 points, shooting efficiently from the field (9-of-15) and adding six assists. Jalen Green continued his strong play, contributing 20 points off the bench. The balanced scoring attack saw significant contributions from Collin Gillespie (16 points), Jordan Goodwin (14 points), and Ryan Dunn (12 points), highlighting a team effort that coach Frank Vogel clearly sought.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
Phoenix established control from the opening tip, racing to an 8-0 lead and closing the first quarter with a commanding 34-20 advantage. The Suns’ hot shooting – 8-of-12 from three-point range in the first quarter – proved tough for the Raptors to contain. Jalen Green sparked the initial run with five quick points, setting the tone for the night. The Raptors struggled to find any offensive consistency early, hampered by the Suns’ aggressive defense.
Raptors Struggle to Respond
Toronto attempted to mount a comeback in the second quarter, briefly trimming the deficit with a 12-0 run, but Phoenix quickly regained control. Booker scored 12 points in the first half, and the Suns entered halftime with a comfortable 66-48 lead. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 12 points before the break, but Toronto’s overall shooting percentage lagged behind Phoenix.
Suns Pull Away in the Third
The third quarter saw the Suns extend their lead even further. Booker’s three-pointer with 4:12 remaining in the period pushed the advantage to 87-62. Phoenix outscored Toronto 31-21 in the quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Raptors’ offense continued to struggle, and they were unable to consistently answer the Suns’ scoring bursts.
Fourth Quarter Sees Both Teams Empty the Bench
With a significant lead in hand, both teams utilized the fourth quarter to give extended minutes to their bench players. Gillespie added to his point total, contributing a three-pointer to put the Suns ahead 114-87 with 5:46 remaining. The final quarter was largely a formality, as the Suns cruised to a comfortable victory.
Shooting Prowess and Turnover Battle
Phoenix shot 51.7% from the field and 45% (18 of 40) from three-point range, a significant improvement from their recent struggles. The Suns’ ball movement and efficient shooting were key factors in their success. Conversely, Toronto committed 20 turnovers, which the Suns capitalized on, converting those possessions into 22 points. The Raptors shot 50% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on only 9 of 27 three-point attempts (33.3%).
Suns Navigate Injury Challenges
The Suns were without several key players, including Grayson Allen (left knee injury management), Amir Coffey (left ankle sprain), and Royce O’Neale (left knee soreness). Despite these absences, the team demonstrated resilience and depth, with several players stepping up to contribute. The win underscored the Suns’ ability to overcome adversity and compete even when shorthanded.
Barnes Leads Raptors in Loss
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 17 points, while RJ Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter each added 13. Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. However, the Raptors’ offense struggled to find consistency, and they were unable to contain the Suns’ balanced attack. Brandon Ingram, who had been averaging 25.8 points over his last five games, was held to just six points on 3-of-10 shooting.
Looking Ahead
The Suns will appear to build on this momentum when they host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. The Raptors, meanwhile, will travel to Utah to face the Jazz on Monday. Both teams will be aiming to continue their playoff pushes as the regular season nears its conclusion. The Suns’ victory provides a valuable confidence boost as they prepare for a challenging stretch of games, while the Raptors will need to regroup and address their recent struggles.
This article was updated on March 23, 2026, at 4:30 PM UTC.
Worth a look