Phoenix Suns is back in the win column and looks to add another Sunday against the Toronto Raptors host.
Sun’s snapped a four-game losing line on Saturday with a victory of 121-117 over the Chicago Bulls. It was just their second victory in nine matches.
Raptors has lost six out of seven after their 120-111 overtime home loss to Miami Heat on Friday.
Suns responded to an assortment change on Saturday when Devin Booker scored 29 points. Kevin Durant had 27 points and 10 returns and Bradley Beal got 25.
Beal returned to the starting lineup on guard for the first time since January 4 and replaced Tyus Jones.
“We always look at different combinations,” said Suns coach Mike Budenholzer. “Brad has played that role for the backup point and Brad and Devin together and even Grayson (Allen). We feel that all these guys can handle it. We always look at it and always try to find out how we can be our best and Appreciate what Devin can do it, what Brad can do handling it.
Beal said his discussion with Budenholzer about starting again was “just simple dialogue.”
“He just told me that he appreciated how I handled everything,” Beal said. “Definitely wasn’t the easiest, but I definitely feel for coaches too, because it’s not easy to try to find out where the energy comes from and how you can put together some sets.”
Booker was a fan of the first five on Saturday.
“I like it,” Booker said. “Many threats out there, many points alternatives and just defend at a high level. Communication was higher than normal. We just have to keep together.”
Jones had two points and six assists in 20 minutes as a reserve.
“We try to correct the ship and try to find out,” Jones said. “Coach came to me, let me know that was what we would do. Everything for that.”
The Toronto game will be the fourth of five straight on the road for Phoenix. It will be the first meeting of the season between the teams.
Raptors showed signs of rust after the All-Star break and committed seven sales during the first quarter of Friday which led to 11 points and a 30-19 Miami lead.
“After that we could do a better job of taking care of the ball, getting better shots and all this,” said coach Darko Rajakovic. “We won the second, third and fourth quarter, but we must have a better start of the game, and that was a great emphasis for us.”
Toronto vacated again in overtime, which Miami dominated 13-4.
Raptors had some worries during the first quarter when Scottie Barnes twisted her right ankle in a game under the defensive basket.
After hobby to the dressing room, he returned to the game during the second quarter.
“He just needed to be transformed, and he was good to go after that,” Rajakovic said. “He did not drive from that point, and he was not as explosive, but hopefully he will have a good time on Sunday.”
Barnes was able to train on Saturday.
The Toronto Center Jakob Poeltl (Hip Pointer) missed his sixth game in a row on Friday and he is listed as doubtful in the injury report for Sunday.
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