In an electrifying display of skill and teamwork during Thursday’s NBA action, Kevin Durant and Grayson Allen led the Phoenix Suns to a 120-113 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Durant’s 35 points and Allen’s exceptional first-half performance, including a franchise record of seven 3-pointers in the first quarter, underscored the Suns’ dominance as they never trailed in the game.
“I got hot on the first few and then guys started looking for me,” Allen said.
Despite the Raptors’ efforts to close the gap, led by Gary Trent Jr.’s 30 points and Immanuel Quickley‘s 21 points and career-high 18 assists, they fell short. The Suns, even in the absence of All-Star guard Devin Booker, showcased their depth and resilience, maintaining the lead throughout and securing their 10th home win in their last 12 games.
“I like where we are right now,” Durant said. “I think we can keep growing. That’s the best thing about it – we’ve still got room to grow as a team. We’re getting more and more comfortable as the day goes on.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors Updates
Allen’s hot streak in the first quarter set the tone for the Suns, who took a commanding lead early and managed to keep the Raptors at bay despite a late push. His performance not only contributed significantly to the win but also highlighted his successful integration into the team after being traded from Portland.
“It feels good, I’m getting good looks,” Allen said. “I’m getting a mix of in-rhythm looks and quick ones.”
Allen’s success this season has been a revelation for the Suns, with Coach Frank Vogel praising his adaptability and sharpshooting that have made him an essential part of Phoenix’s strategy.
“He knows his role in our system and he’s a great shooter,” Suns coach Frank Vogel said. “Everybody knew he was a good player when he was coming in, but he’s a great player. He’s playing phenomenally for us.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors Updates
The Raptors’ attempt to adjust to Allen’s explosive start and mount a comeback was hindered by their inability to stick to their defensive game plan, something Coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged as a learning opportunity.
“We were late on our rotations,” Rajakovic said. “We had a clear plan on how we wanted to close out on Grayson Allen, but we just didn’t follow through. It’s going to be good for us to look at the film and learn from it.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors Updates
As the Suns aim to solidify their position in the Western Conference and the Raptors look to rebound in their next game, this matchup served as a testament to the Suns’ potential and the exciting talent within their ranks.
