Valley of the Suns
Fansided

A few takeaways from the Phoenix Suns loss to Raptors

By Adam Stratton

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 02: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns watches on before their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 02, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 02: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns watches on before their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 02, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns showed fight against the Toronto Raptors but ultimately succumbed to the better team in the end, losing 123-114.

Fans at Talking Stick Resort Arena got their wish as the Phoenix Suns lost to the visiting Toronto Raptors on a Tuesday that was far from super for the home team. It was clear the snow-birders have not yet left the Valley of the Sun as Canadians chanted, “Let’s go Raptors” throughout the game. They left happy.

Call me a harsh pessimist (or just someone who has watched a lot of Suns games over the last five years), but it never felt like the Phoenix Suns were going to win this game. Even when they were up 17 points, it felt like all of their baskets were–not lucky–but not shots they typically make with regularity.

They made it close, but in the end, there was just too much talent on the court for Toronto and they held off the Suns’ attempt at a late-game comeback to win 123-114.

And to add injury to insult, Deandre Ayton went down with what looked like a very painful ankle/foot injury with less than three minutes left in the game. Let’s hope it is nothing serious.

One of the most interesting aspects of this game came with Monty Williams‘ tweaking of the rotation. After much groaning on the subject from the fans, Jevon Carter was the first man off the bench, backing up Ricky Rubio at point guard instead of Elie Okobo. Okobo came in later, but Carter played 22 minutes to his 14, which feels like it is about the right distribution.

Overall, the Monty really shortened his bench, only playing eight guys all night. The most surprising of players cut from the rotation was Aron Baynes.

This could have been based on matchups with Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka out for the Raptors, but this marks the first time all season Baynes didn’t play due to a coach’s decision. It will be interesting to see if this is a trend or if this was just Monty’s attempt to go all out in order to win this game.

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If that was the case, Nick Nurse out-short-benched him to get the win. The Raptors only played six players more than 7 minutes as they were on a mission to snap a three-game losing streak of their own.

It worked.

With a few of their stars out, it was sixth man, Chris Boucher, who stepped up for the Raptors. Evidently, someone told Boucher him Gatorade is better than water before the game because the slightest player on the court played like a maniac and went off for 19 points and 15 rebounds.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Suns. Happy 42nd 24th birthday to Cameron Johnson who knocked down a career-high five 3-pointers on his way to a career-high 21 points. Drinks are on him tonight.

Next. Detroit Pistons may steal Jordan McRae from the Suns. dark

The team probably needs them. With the seemingly invincible Milwaukee Bucks coming to Phoenix on Saturday, this team will need a shot of something (adrenalin, luck, tequila) to get them in a position to win that one. They’ll have a few days of rest before they give it a go.

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