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Did the Toronto Raptors' Paint Dominance Outshine the Suns' Precision?

The Toronto Raptors, with a record of 23-40, faced off against the Phoenix Suns, who held a 37-26 record. The game concluded with a score of 120-113 in favor of the home team.


PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 7: Royce O'Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 7, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

In an intense matchup at the Footprint Center, the Toronto Raptors displayed a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against the Phoenix Suns. Despite their loss, there were several notable performances from the Raptors that deserve recognition. The team's offensive execution was evident as they racked up an impressive 30 assists over four quarters and maintained an effective field goal percentage of 54 percent. Their ability to share and move the ball created opportunities that led to scoring 48 points in paint out of their total 113 points.


The Raptors also showed prowess from beyond the arc, converting on 16 out of their 44 three-point attempts which translated to a solid three-point shooting percentage of 36 percent. This outside shooting kept them competitive throughout various stages of the game.


PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 7: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 7, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

Defensively, however, there were challenges for Toronto as they struggled to contain Phoenix's sharpshooting. The Suns managed to achieve an effective field goal percentage of 60 percent and shot an even more impressive three-point percentage at around 43 percent. Additionally, Phoenix capitalized on second-chance opportunities by scoring 19 points from such plays.


One area where both teams showed parity was in turnovers; while Toronto turned over possession nine times leading to only eleven points for Phoenix off those turnovers, they managed to score twenty-seven points off sixteen turnovers committed by their opponents.


PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 7: Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 7, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

Toronto's bench contributed twenty-eight points but it wasn't enough against a strong showing from Phoenix's starters who seemed determined not just on offense but also on defense with six blocks compared to two by Toronto.


As for individual performances within The Raptors squad – although specific player statistics are not provided – it can be inferred that multiple players stepped up given that no one fouled out despite one player being close with five personal fouls drawn.


Looking ahead after this tough outing in Arizona, fans can catch The Toronto Raptors next when they travel to face Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on March ninth at ten PM Eastern Time. This game will be broadcasted across various networks including ROOT Sports NW and TSN for viewers tuning in from different locations.

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