The Phoenix Suns continue their resurgence with big games from Mikal Bridges and the bench in a 114-106 win over the Toronto Raptors.
With all-NBA guard Devin Booker still out, any win is good for the Phoenix Suns. On Monday night at Footprint Center, Phoenix earned a tough win over Toronto. With Bridges having a big first half and the bench coming through in the second, the Suns have now won six of their last seven games.
Bridges was blowing it up early for Phoenix
If there was any concern about a slow start to the game against Toronto on Monday, Bridges made sure to put that concern to bed. Bridges scored a career-high 16 first-quarter points, scoring at the basket, on pull-ups, and going three-for-three from deep; Mikal was making it happen everywhere on the court.
Bridges did cool off after the incredible first quarter but still led all scorers with 29 points, including four big points late in the fourth quarter to help stretch the Suns’ lead and seal the victory. For Bridges, it was his second straight game with at least 25 points as he continues to step up for the Suns.
The Suns bench played a big part in beating Toronto
Bridges had the big game in the first half and helped build a lead for the Suns. In the second half, the bench coming on strong kept Phoenix in the game as the Raptors went on a run of their own.
After not leading in the first half, Toronto built a seven-point lead in the second half before the Suns’ bench made it anyone’s game. On a night when starters Torrey Craig and Cameron Johnson combined for six points, getting seven points from Ish Wainright was huge, as were the 11 points each from Damion Lee and Dario Saric.
In the fourth quarter, in a close game, two Saric buckets in the paint and a second-chance three from Lee were critical plays. On the evening, the Phoenix bench outscored the Raptors bench 38 to 15, making up for those off nights from Craig and Johnson.
Phoenix continues to grow and find ways to win, which will only help when Booker returns.