Key moments
In a stunning turn of events, the Phoenix Suns triumphed over the Toronto Raptors with a score of 120-98 on March 22, 2026, at PHX Arena. This victory comes as a much-needed relief for the Suns, who had been struggling with a five-game losing streak prior to this matchup.
The Suns managed to secure this win despite being without five key rotation players, showcasing their depth and resilience. The Raptors, who had recently secured a win against the Detroit Pistons, were unable to capitalize on their momentum, suffering a significant defeat that raises questions about their performance as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Statistically, the Raptors struggled throughout the game, shooting only 9-of-27 from three-point range while the Suns excelled, hitting 18-of-40 from beyond the arc. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 17 points, but his efforts were overshadowed by the team’s overall lack of cohesion, as they committed a staggering 20 turnovers during the game.
Adding to the Raptors’ woes, center Jakob Poeltl had a particularly rough outing, finishing with zero points and zero rebounds in 17 minutes of play. This performance is especially concerning given the Raptors’ current position in the Eastern Conference, where they sit fifth with a record of 39-31.
The Raptors did manage to cut the Suns’ lead to six points during a brief two-minute stretch in the second quarter, but they could not maintain that momentum. Head coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the need for a collective effort, stating, “It’s a whole team. It cannot be just one player,” reflecting the team’s struggles to find a rhythm.
In the aftermath of the game, Scottie Barnes succinctly summarized the team’s mindset moving forward, saying, “Just flush it.” This sentiment echoes the urgency for the Raptors to regroup quickly, as they prepare for their next challenge against the Utah Jazz.
As the season progresses, the Raptors will need to address their inconsistencies and improve their performance if they hope to solidify their playoff position. Meanwhile, the Suns will look to build on this victory and regain their footing in the competitive Western Conference.