Phoenix Suns forwards Royce O'Neale and Kevin Durant exchanged a handshake after Durant was fouled while making a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their game in Phoenix on Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Devin Booker led the charge with 27 points as the Phoenix Suns dismantled the Toronto Raptors 129-89 on Monday night. Despite missing key player Bradley Beal, the Suns had seven players score in double digits, making it a one-sided affair.
Suns Take Over in the Second Quarter
The Raptors started strong, leading 29-24 after the first quarter. However, the Suns turned the game around in the second, outscoring Toronto 39-11 and heading into halftime with a commanding 23-point lead. Booker was unstoppable during this stretch, scoring 13 points in a 15-2 run that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Phoenix's dominance continued throughout the second half. With Booker leading the way, reserves like Royce O’Neale, Tyus Jones, Cody Martin, and Oso Ighodaro contributed significantly. The Suns kept pushing the pace, eventually extending their lead to a massive 40 points, the largest gap of the night.
Suns' Balanced Attack Overwhelms Raptors
While Booker stole the show, Phoenix saw contributions from multiple players. Ryan Dunn chipped in with 17 points, Jones added 15, including four three-pointers, while Kevin Durant and Monte Morris scored 14 and 12 points, respectively. O’Neale had a solid double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
On the other hand, Toronto struggled without key starters RJ Barrett (illness), Gradey Dick (knee bruise), and Jakob Poeltl (rest). Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 16 points, while Immanuel Quickley contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
Beal Sidelined Again
Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer announced before the game that Bradley Beal would be out for at least a week due to a left hamstring injury sustained in Sunday’s loss to the Lakers. Beal, who has missed 21 of the Suns’ 69 games, underwent an MRI on Monday and will be re-evaluated in seven days. Collin Gillespie stepped in for his first career start in Beal’s absence.
Takeaways
- Raptors: Coach Darko Rajakovic fielded his 30th different starting lineup this season. The Raptors continue to struggle on the road, now holding an 8-25 record.
- Suns: Phoenix moves one game behind Dallas for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference with 13 games left in the regular season.
Key Stats & Upcoming Games
- Key Moment: Booker’s explosive 13-point effort in the second quarter fueled a 15-2 Suns run.
- Key Stat: With Kevin Durant on the bench for most of the second quarter, Phoenix still outscored Toronto 33-8.
Next up, the Raptors face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, while the Suns host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
