The Phoenix Suns are back in the win column and look to add another Sunday against the host Toronto Raptors.
The Suns snapped a four-game losing streak on Saturday with a 121-117 road victory over the Chicago Bulls. It was only their second win in nine games.
The Raptors have dropped six of seven after their 120-111 overtime home loss to the Miami Heat on Friday.
The Suns responded to a lineup change on Saturday as Devin Booker scored 29 points. Kevin Durant had 27 points and 10 rebounds and Bradley Beal scored 25.
Beal returned to the starting lineup at guard for the first time since Jan. 4, replacing Tyus Jones.
“We’re always looking at different combinations,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Brad has been playing that backup point guard role and Brad and Devin together and even Grayson (Allen). We feel like all those guys can handle it. We’re always looking at it, always trying to figure out how we can be our best and appreciate what Devin can do handling it, what Brad can do handling it. What Tyus brings to us. We’re always looking at everything.”
Beal said his discussion with Budenholzer about starting again was “just simple dialogue.”
“He was just telling me he appreciated how I’ve handled everything,” Beal said. “Definitely wasn’t the easiest thing, but I definitely feel for coach, too, because it’s not easy trying to figure out where the energy is coming from and how you can put some lineups together.”
Booker was a fan of the starting five on Saturday.
“I like it,” Booker said. “A lot of threats out there, a lot of scoring options and just defending at a high level. The communication was higher than normal. We just have to continue to stick together.”
Jones had two points and six assists in 20 minutes as a reserve.
“We’re trying to right the ship, trying to figure it out,” Jones said. “Coach came to me, let me know that’s what we were going to do. All for it.”
The game in Toronto will be the fourth of five straight on the road for Phoenix. It will be the first meeting of the season between the teams.
The Raptors showed signs of rust following the All-Star break and committed seven turnovers in the first quarter Friday that led to 11 points and a 30-19 Miami lead.
“After that, we were able to do a better job of taking care of the ball, to get better shots and all of that,” coach Darko Rajakovic said. “We won the second, third and fourth quarter, but we need to have a better start of the game, and that was a big emphasis for us.”
Toronto faltered again in overtime, which Miami dominated 13-4.
The Raptors had some concerns in the first quarter when Scottie Barnes twisted his right ankle in a play under the defensive basket.
After hobbling to the dressing room, he returned to the game in the second quarter.
“He just needed to be re-taped, and he was good to go after that,” Rajakovic said. “From that point, he was not running, and he was not as explosive, but hopefully he’s going to be fine for Sunday.”
Barnes was able to practice on Saturday.
Toronto center Jakob Poeltl (hip pointer) missed his sixth consecutive game on Friday and he is listed as questionable on the injury report for Sunday.
–Field Level Media
