Key moments
On March 22, 2026, the Toronto Raptors faced the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena, suffering a significant defeat with a final score of 120-98. This game marked a crucial moment for both teams, particularly for the Suns, who were missing five rotation players due to injuries and other issues. Despite their depleted roster, the Suns managed to secure a commanding victory, ending a five-game losing streak.
The Raptors entered the game with a record of 39 wins and 31 losses, sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They were coming off a win against the Detroit Pistons, which had raised hopes for a strong performance against the Suns. However, the Raptors struggled throughout the game, shooting only 9-of-27 from three-point range and committing 20 turnovers, which proved detrimental to their chances of winning.
Scottie Barnes was one of the few bright spots for the Raptors, scoring 17 points. However, the performance of Jakob Poeltl was concerning, as he finished the game with zero points and zero rebounds in 17 minutes of play. The Raptors did have a moment of hope in the second quarter when they cut the Suns’ lead to six points, but they were unable to maintain that momentum.
The Suns, despite their missing players, showcased impressive shooting, hitting 18-of-40 from three-point range. This efficiency from beyond the arc played a significant role in their victory. The Raptors’ inability to defend the perimeter effectively allowed the Suns to capitalize on their shooting opportunities.
After the game, Scottie Barnes reflected on the loss, stating, “Just flush it,” indicating the need for the team to move on quickly from this defeat. Head coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “It’s a whole team. It cannot be just one player,” highlighting the need for collective effort in overcoming challenges.
Brandon Ingram, a player not involved in the game, commented on the Raptors’ struggles, noting, “This hasn’t happened in a long time,” referring to the rarity of such a blowout loss for the Raptors this season. This loss stands out as the Raptors have been blown out very rarely, making it a notable event in their campaign.
Looking ahead, the Raptors will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next game against the Utah Jazz. The team will be looking to address the issues that led to this defeat and find ways to improve their performance on both ends of the court.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes in the Raptors’ lineup or strategy as they move forward, but the urgency to bounce back is clear. The upcoming games will be critical for the Raptors as they aim to solidify their playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
