The Toronto Raptors secured a notable 127-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns on February 23, 2025, at the Scotiabank Arena, ending their two-game losing streak. This win was significant for the Raptors as they aimed to improve their rocky season, now standing at 18 wins and 39 losses, and they faced the challenge of overcoming the Suns, who were coming off a win against the Chicago Bulls.
Chris Boucher stepped up as the standout player for the Raptors, leading with 23 points and 10 rebounds, achieving a double-double. His performance was particularly impressive as it marked a return to form after scoring just four points against the Miami Heat earlier in the week. Boucher’s contributions included four three-pointers out of five attempts, helping the Raptors to make 20 threes overall—just shy of their season high. According to reports, the Raptors enjoyed superior offensive execution, especially from beyond the arc, where they shot 8-for-8 across the fourth quarter.
Joining Boucher were Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, who each also scored 23 points. Quickley’s sharp shooting included five successful three-pointers, putting additional pressure on the Suns’ defense. Scottie Barnes contributed 20 points and nine rebounds, demonstrating the depth of the Raptors’ roster. This strong collective effort was pivotal, as the Raptors’ bench managed to outscore their counterparts from Phoenix 42-18, a statistic reflective of Toronto's dominant play.
The Suns battled hard, with Devin Booker leading the charge for Phoenix, scoring 31 points, and Bradley Beal adding 30. Despite their efforts, the Suns struggled with their shooting, particularly from three-point range, finishing the game with only seven successful attempts. Kevin Durant had a disappointing night, scoring just 15 points on 5-of-15 shooting, including 0-for-5 from three-point territory. The Raptors’ defense was particularly effective against Durant, who faced rigorous coverage from Barnes.
The game kicked off with the Raptors taking control early, leading 29-25 by the end of the first quarter. The Raptors pushed their advantage to 67-52 at halftime, thanks to Boucher, who scored 14 points and secured several rebounds, effectively dominating the second quarter and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
After half-time, the Suns made attempts to rally, cutting the lead down to just three points late in the game. Yet, the Raptors quickly responded with pivotal shots from Boucher and Quickley, extending their margin. A highlight moment occurred when Boucher rebounded his own missed shot, laid it back up, and converted the free throw, putting Toronto up 105-93 with just under eight minutes remaining.
Despite one final push from the Suns when Grayson Allen’s three-pointer trimmed the Raptors' lead to just two points with five minutes left, the Raptors sealed the win with consecutive three-pointers from Boucher and Quickley. This decisive scoring late secured the victory, highlighting their three-point shooting prowess and strategic response to the Suns' challenges.
Following the game, Raptors’ head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the importance of the win, stating, "Chris Boucher was the catalyst of the 67-52 lead." With this performance, Toronto aims to carry forward the momentum as they prepare to face the Boston Celtics next. Meanwhile, the Suns, now at 27 wins and 30 losses heading toward the conclusion of this road trip, will have to address their inconsistencies before their upcoming matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.
This victory not only boosts the Raptors' morale but also signifies potential recovery signs following their challenging season start. The basketball community will be watching closely as both teams aim to solidify their strategies for the remainder of the season.