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Grades from Toronto Raptors’ red-hot win vs Phoenix Suns

By Thomas Valentine

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 21: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 21, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 21: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 21, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Raptors got back to business after the All-Star break with a win against the Phoenix Suns. How did everyone grade?

The All-Star break is over and, finally, FINALLY, we have basketball back in our lives. Luckily, the All-Star Game was a huge success and provided us with a slice of competitiveness, but it isn’t the real thing – no matter how enjoyable it was. Watching the Toronto Raptors win basketball games is a much more enjoyable hobby.

Against the Phoenix Suns, the Raptors would begin a four-game homestand and look to get off to the perfect start post-All-Star break. There is no such thing as an easy win in the NBA, and despite the Suns’ losing record, they wouldn’t plan on being a walkover.

Ultimately, the Raptors won comfortably, decisively, and in impressive fashion at the Scotiabank Arena – ending the game as 118-101 victors.

It would be an impressive return to action from the Raptors, who were without Marc Gasol, Norman Powell, and Patrick McCaw. The rotation was cut down to just eight players but, as usual, Nick Nurse and the Raptors found a way to turn their shortcomings into their advantage.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had a strong stint guarding Deandre Ayton, Pascal Siakam knocked down 37 points, and both OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher both finished with eight blocks combined. Turnovers were an issue for the Raptors, but they were able to shake those moments off and pull away for the victory.

The Suns didn’t lie down all that easy, making brief comebacks in the third and fourth quarters, but the Raptors showed why they have the third-best record in the NBA. They got out in transition, defended like madmen – holding the Suns to 41-percent from the field and 17-percent from three – and shot the ball well.

Basketball is back and the Toronto Raptors are winning again.

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