Suns Strokes: Phoenix fails to rebound in Toronto
Dec 1, 2012, 2:54 AM | Updated: 3:00 am
Sure, you could read the box score and know who won, but we all know that won’t tell you everything that happened in a basketball game. So, we will give you Suns Strokes, providing you with the analysis, quotes and notes from the Suns’ 101-97 loss to the Raptors on November 30.
The Good:
The Suns actually built a double-digit lead on Friday, going up 25-15 late in the first quarter.
Phoenix had five players score in double figures, including Jared Dudley off the bench. The fifth-year guard had a team-high 14 points on five-of-six shooting off the pine.
Free throw shooting was one of the few positives for Alvin Gentry’s squad in Toronto. The Suns made 17-of-19 attempts.
The Bad:
The Suns didn’t suffer a 40-point defeat like they did two nights ago in Detroit, but as has been the case for much of the 2012-2013 season, Phoenix continues to play down to the level of competition.
Despite being out-rebounded (41 to 34) and giving up 14 turnovers, the Suns had a chance to tie in waning seconds but couldn’t seal the deal. Similar to the ending of the team’s loss against the Sixers Sunday night, Shannon Brown made a nice move to the basket, but couldn’t convert on a last-second layup attempt.
The Suns didn’t finish quarters defensively, either. Kyle Lowry hit a three-point shot to beat the buzzer before halftime, while Demar Derozan converted on a jump shot to end the third quarter.
Noted:
With a win Friday, the Raptors snapped a six-game losing streak.
For the Suns, the loss guarantees that the team cannot finish its six-game road trip with a record above .500.
Friday marked the first time since January 4, 2004, that the Raptors won at home against the Suns. Phoenix had previously won the prior seven meetings in Canada, their longest road win streak against an Eastern Conference opponent.
The Suns are now 2-7 on the road in 2012-2013.
He Said It:
“We’ve got to do a better job on our turnovers. You can’t give up 20 points on turnovers and then also give up 17 second-chance points. That won’t get it done.” – Alvin Gentry on his team’s sloppy night vs. the Raptors
Up Next:
The Suns will continue their six-game road trip on Sunday morning against the New York Knicks. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
