The Toronto Raptors aim to build on an impressive win over the surging Phoenix Suns when they continue their three-game homestand Friday night against the New York Knicks.
The Raptors ended the Suns’ seven-game winning streak Wednesday night with a 112-105 victory after Toronto took a 115-103 loss against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday in New York.
The Knicks, meanwhile, needed 42 points from Jalen Brunson to eke out a 118-112 win over the lowly Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. The Pistons took their 16th consecutive loss.
In Toronto’s win over Phoenix, Scottie Barnes scored 23 points and Pascal Siakam finished with 22 points. OG Anunoby played a strong defensive game and scored 13 points.
Anunoby was on the all-defensive second team last season, and he is showing that he could be considered for the first team this season.
Barnes put up 12 points in the fourth quarter as the Raptors sealed the victory.
Toronto’s Dennis Schroder had eight points and 12 assists and did not have a turnover.
The Raptors were coming off two road losses, while the Suns earned a last-second, 116-113 win over the Knicks on Sunday before having two days off.
After defeating the Pistons, the Knicks are 9-0 against teams that entered Thursday with a record below .500.
Brunson, who fell three points shy of his season-best 45, shot 7-for-12 from 3-point range. Julius Randle contributed 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. The Knicks needed all of that against the team with the NBA’s worst record.
Brunson scored 16 points in the first quarter as the Knicks took a 31-17 lead.
