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Toronto Raptors: 3 things to watch for against the new-look Suns

By Alexandro Fidanza

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Devin Booker #1 during the second half of the NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns Arena on December 29, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 29: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Devin Booker #1 during the second half of the NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns Arena on December 29, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Make Devin Booker’s life difficult on offense

The Phoenix Suns have a lot more than just Devin Booker to worry about, but the best chances of winning against the Suns is to shut down Booker the best you can. He is one of the league’s best scorers, but that doesn’t mean he has no weaknesses to his name.

Booker has been a turnover machine so far this season. He has posted 4 turnovers and more in five of his seven games, including two games with 8. Though he has improved his playmaking last season, he is still trying to find his rhythm in that department this season.

Whenever he is forced to pass out when players close on him, his passes have been sloppy or completely misplaced. And if that isn’t the case, he tends to hold the ball for slightly too long and just loses the ball as he does below.

If there is one thing the Raptors can do is play defense at an elite level and shut down an opponent’s star — unless it’s Ingram or Tatum. The Raptors have to make Booker’s life as uncomfortable as possible. Making OG Anunoby the primary defender on Booker should help facilitate that. Anunoby has been playing elite-level defense and with Toronto’s heavy help defense style, Booker should be in a position to struggle.

Next. Fred VanVleet has proven his worth despite Toronto Raptors’ bleak start to the season. dark

The Raptors have to make the rest of the team beat them and that is something they’ll have to live with. They face off at 9 pm Eastern time tonight.

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