The Toronto Raptors secured an important victory on Friday after rallying to defeat the Phoenix Suns 122 to 115, powered by a strong fourth quarter from RJ Barrett.
Barrett, who is from Mississauga, Ontario, scored 22 points and added six rebounds and five assists. Nine of his points came in the final quarter as Toronto completed the comeback.
The win improves the Raptors’ record to 37 and 29 and strengthens their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
All-star forward Brandon Ingram led all scorers with 36 points and also grabbed seven rebounds. Raptors forward Scottie Barnes finished with 14 points and six rebounds.
Phoenix was led by Jalen Green, who scored 34 points and matched a careerhigh with eight three pointers. Devin Booker added 31 points for the Suns, whose four game winning streak came to an end.
Barrett delivered the decisive moment late in the fourth quarter making a 23-foot three pointer with 3 minutes and 35 seconds remaining to give Toronto its first lead since the opening period.
The Raptors dominated inside scoring, outscoring Phoenix 60 to 32. Phoenix’s bench players outscored Toronto’s substitutes 39 to 27 and the Suns attempted 15 more shots from three point range.
