Suns vs. Raptors: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Phoenix Suns (30-9) play against the Toronto Raptors (17-17) at Scotiabank Arena Game Time: 7:30 PM EST on Tuesday January 11, 2022 Phoenix Suns 27, Toronto Raptors 36 (Q2 09:18) What’s the buzz on Twitter? Duane Rankin @ DuaneRankin Biyombo …

The Phoenix Suns (30-9) play against the Toronto Raptors (17-17) at Scotiabank Arena

Game Time: 7:30 PM EST on Tuesday January 11, 2022

Phoenix Suns 27, Toronto Raptors 36 (Q2 09:18)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Biyombo checking in. #Suns #WeTheNorth8:08 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Love the way Siakam has been hunting mismatches lately. He just completely overpowered Raptors legend Cam Payne in the post. – 8:08 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Siakam got switch that put Payne on him. Just worked him into the paint for easy one. #Suns down 11 again. – 8:08 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
In case you wanted to get to know Paris Bass, who’s reportedly agreeing to a second 10-day with the Suns, here’s the story I wrote on him last week: bit.ly/33hA2lK8:07 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
McGee working that baseline jump hook. Has four. #Suns down nine as Anunoby answers with 3. – 8:07 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns start 2nd quarter with Payne, Shamet, Crowder at the 3, Smith and McGee.
Crowder guarding Siakam.
Smith gets block on Anunoby in the post. #Suns down 31-23. – 8:06 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Nurse is sticking with point Pascal as VanVleet rests to start the 2nd quarter. – 8:06 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Fun start. Even without 2 starters, this felt like something of a measuring stick game for a Raptors team coming off 6 straight wins vs opponents missing their best player. Top marks through 12 minutes. They came to play tonight, man. – 8:05 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: TOR 31, PHX 23
Paul: 4 Pts, 2 Reb
Smith: 5 Pts, 2-2 FG
Ayton: 4 Pts
VanVleet: 10 Pts, 4-6 FG
TOR: 14-25 FG, PHX: 9-18 FG – 8:05 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns have turned the ball over six times that’s led to 11 Raptor points.
Toronto has seven more FGAs than Phoenix.
Raptors 56% FG, 3-of-9 from 3.
Suns 50% FGs, 2-of-5 on 3s. #Suns #WeTheNorth8:05 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Mikal from the mid-range.
@Mikal Bridges x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/XIBu5hLBiZ8:04 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Stix gets a tip in and 3 in the last 2 mins. Suns needed some type of boost and got it there. Down 8 is not bad all things considered. FVV still a man possessed. – 8:04 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors up 31-23 after a quarter
VanVleet’s got 10 – 8:03 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Pascal Siakam has passed Jose Calderon and is now 8th on Toronto’s all-time scoring list. Jonas Valanciunas up next on the Raptors all-time list, then MoPete. – 8:03 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Raps up 31-23 after a quarter. GGAB FVV has 10, Siakam has four assists, the usual deal. – 8:03 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
The feed down low.
@Deandre Ayton x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/8GO9gp4lxY8:02 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
VanVleet hits tough shot over Smith.
Then draws foul on Smith going at him on the drive.
Shamet in for Bridges. #Suns down eight. – 8:02 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith tip in off McGee miss.
Smith 3.
#Suns cut lead to six. – 8:01 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
The Phoenix Suns are planning to sign forward Paris Bass to a second 10-day hardship deal, his agent Daniel Hazan tells ESPN. Bass is expected to re-join the Suns in Indianapolis on Wednesday. – 8:01 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
We’re one away from a New York Times trend story: Precious Achiuwa has hit his first two shots in the paint. – 8:00 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Achiuwa to the rim in response.
#Suns down 11. – 8:00 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Devin Booker with a hug for Raptors assistant, and his former Suns head coach, Earl Watson during the timeout. – 8:00 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
McGee jump hook coming out of timeout
Jalen Smith in at the four. #Suns7:59 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns only have 12 shot attempts in the first 9 minutes of the game. and 3 total rebounds.
Six turnovers and the Raptors’ 12-of-17 shooting attributing some to that. – 7:59 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Raptors have won 6 straight and Fred VanVleet is the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week. They’re trending in the right direction and are on an 11-0 run, shooting 12-for-17 – 7:58 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
11-0 Raptors run over last 2 minutes, 12 seconds. #Suns7:57 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors playing their butts off, up 27-16 at second timeout
VanVleet’s only made 2 three-pointers – 7:57 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Siakam in transition after #Suns turnover.
Raptors up 11. Timeout Phoenix with 2:54 left in 1st. – 7:57 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Monty Williams was extremely complimentary of VanVleet pre-game, and the Suns are starting Mikal Bridges on him – an excellent defender that can show him length. How’s that working out for Phoenix so far? Fred’s hit both of his 3s and is 3-for-4 with 8 points in 8 minutes. – 7:56 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker like, what the… after not only getting the foul call, but McGee was called for a foul.
Raptors stretch lead to nine. #Suns7:56 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
If you’re watching the game on a device that allows you to, go back and rewind to watch VanVleet’s defence on the Phoenix possession that ended in Crowder ’s missed 3. Peak annoying defence. Great job. – 7:55 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Payne, McGee in. #Suns7:55 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton just looks off.
Maybe I’m reading too much into that, but he just looks off. #Suns down five. – 7:54 PM
Toronto Raptors @Raptors
REMINDER: Vote OG for All-Star
#OGAnunoby l #NBAAllStar
⭐️ 1 RT = 1 Vote ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/flIUrrLtXB7:54 PM

Dan Favale @danfavale
genuinely just enjoy seeing pascal, fvv and og get to play together pic.twitter.com/xM2Uqh57go7:51 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Raptors start the game 7-for-9, up 16-12. Second game in a row the Suns’ defense hasn’t really made their opponent feel them early – 7:50 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
After shaky start, Raptors finding some flow. Khem Birch’s screen game remains elite, pops FVV open for a wee jumper. Raps lead 16-12. – 7:50 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Through 5.5 minutes of Raptors-Suns, teams are shooting a combined 12-for-16. – 7:49 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Fun start, Suns using MIkal Bridges to guard VanVleet
Raptors up 4 at first timeout – 7:49 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
VanVleet for 3.
Right now, Siakam is handling the ball in the post, forcing a double.
He’s kicking it out for 3s.
#Suns down 14-12 – 7:48 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Two catches by DA lost for Suns turnovers. CP3 finds him on the switch for a bucket two possessions later. – 7:46 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton major size advantage
Scores over VanVleet.’
Tied at 6-6. Siakam scores. – 7:46 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns bench up and clapping as Booker gets steal.
Yes, this is like the bubble without fans, but this arena, from what I can remember what people told me about the bubble, is much larger than the setup in Orlando.
Clear path foul on VanVleet
Booker 1-of-2 FTs. #Suns up 4-0. – 7:44 PM
Ishmail Wainwright @Wainright24
Let’s Get This W Fellas !!!!!!! – 7:42 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns force 24-second violation. – 7:41 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Crowder 3. #Suns up 3-0. – 7:41 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns win toss, turned ball over.
Raptors turn ball over on 1st possession, too. – 7:41 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Congrats to @MikeSielski and @Chris Herring on two successful book launches, by two of my favorite writers.
Mike on Kobe’s Rise: bookshop.org/books/the-rise…
Chris on the ’90s Knicks: bookshop.org/books/blood-in…7:29 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Winter fit check. ❄️
📺 @BALLYSPORTSAZ pic.twitter.com/d4FwtyTbFU7:29 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Real American national anthem and “Oh Canada”
Music real.
Pumped in crowd noise? #Suns #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/jKLJCtlGy97:27 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Tonight’s @invisalign Starting Lineup pic.twitter.com/Ogdg72uCPi7:15 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Yuta Watanabe will start tonight – 7:13 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Will Suns hang one of those #NBA championship banners in @FootprintCNTR this year?
#Suns #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/4R74UvcIq67:06 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Yuta Watanabe will start for Raptors vs. Suns, along with Birch, Siakam, Anunoby and VanVleet. – 7:05 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
With Trent and Barnes out, Watanabe gets the start in his return. It’s VanVleet, Anunoby, Yuta, Siakam and Birch vs Phoenix. – 7:05 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
YUTA will start alongside FVV, Birch, OG and Siakam. – 7:04 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bourguet Breakdown: Suns could use a return to form from Cam Payne – https://t.co/ejYs79ocis via @PHNX_Suns pic.twitter.com/rvcADOoRvN7:02 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Starters up North!
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/cVokLIrasq7:00 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Deandre Ayton shooting FTs.
#Suns assistant Jarrett Jack running sideline to sideline behind Ayton. pic.twitter.com/uvToww5GLJ6:50 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The @PHNX_Suns pregame show for Suns-Raptors goes live in 10 minutes!
Tune in here:
https://t.co/JAwP0FEapl pic.twitter.com/XTshnAvFDD6:50 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
We in here. Without fans.
#Suns #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/Lh9RySwaqJ6:46 PM

Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Casey said they’ll have to see if Bol Bol plays against Toronto on Friday. Noted that he just cleared health and safety protocols recently, so they’ll see where his conditioning is. – 6:41 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Phoenix star Chris Paul averages 10 assists per game in his career against the Raptors. Only one player averaged more, Robert Pack (who I remember more for his dunks). Former Suns icon Steve Nash is next at 9.9 dimes vs. Raptors. CP3 also 4th all-time with 2.0 steals vs. Toronto – 6:41 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“It’s a tough spot for him. You’re trying to, he’s more comfortable at the five for sure. He’s even talked about that with our coaches.”
Monty Williams on Jalen Smith, who may have to play the four some tonight with Cam Johnson out with ankle injury. #Suns pic.twitter.com/NbT5qXcL5U6:38 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tonight’s @BannerHealth Health Update: pic.twitter.com/JngdIDY5EI6:30 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“He was able to get in a lot of work” Monty Williams
Landry Shamet 👍 after 3 #Suns games in protocols
“So many of the cases are different. Sometimes you can do more depending on the case you have. When he stepped back on the court, he’s probably been in better shape than most” – 6:28 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
“I’m not sure anybody is playing better than him in the East. We’ve talked about it as a staff …. I’m sure he’s in high consideration based on how he’s been playing all season … he keeps you up at night” – Suns coach Monty Williams on Fred VanVleet’s all-star worthiness. – 6:19 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Just one of those freak things that happens and it’s all on me. I wish I wouldn’t have had him in that position, period, at the end of the game.”
Suns coach Monty Williams on Cam Johnson’s left ankle sprain in Saturday’s loss to Heat.
Says Johnson is day-to-day. #Suns pic.twitter.com/GoAVZ96PzT6:16 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams confirms Cam Johnson sustained that left ankle sprain during the final minute of the Suns’ loss to Miami on Saturday.
“It’s all on me. I wish I wouldn’t have had him in that position. Period. But we’re thankful that it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been.” – 6:07 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty said Jalen Smith is more comfortable as a 5, which is something they’ve talked about it, but he’s hoping he can fare well there against a Raptors team with so many longer guys – 6:06 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Monty Williams says he’s not sure if there’s anyone in the East playing better than Fred VanVleet right now. Considering Fred just won the Player of the Week, Williams is right – 6:06 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Monty Williams on VanVleet: “I’m not quite sure there’s anybody playing better than him in the East right now.” – 6:05 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams called it a “personal thing” in regards to Justin Jackson not being with the Suns tonight. As always, he doesn’t like talking about guys’ personal situations – 6:01 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
There are about 20 PB&J sandwiches divided evenly between white bread and whole wheat outside the Suns locker room right now – 5:56 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“It was hard to let him go.” #WeTheNorth coach Nick Nurse on #Suns two-way Ish Wainright. pic.twitter.com/NHmnB5Q6VC5:55 PM

Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Nick Nurse understatement: “Well, he’s certainly had a good week.” – On player of the week Fred VanVleet. – 5:54 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Nick Nurse said it was hard for the Raptors to let go of Ish Wainright, who was battling for a roster spot with them in training camp. Spoke highly of Wainright’s basketball IQ and said he did everything right through the process. – 5:54 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Justin Jackson (not with team) #Suns5:50 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Nick Nurse on OG Anunoby:
“There’s gotta be more shots for him, especially tonight with both Gary and Scottie out.” – 5:49 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Scottie Barnes (knee) and Gary Trent Jr. (ankle) OUT vs. #Suns tonight. – 5:48 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Scottie Barnes (right knee soreness) Gary Trent Jr. (Left ankle swelling) will not play vs. Phoenix tonight. – 5:47 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Barnes (knee) and Trent Jr.(ankle) are out vs. Suns. – 5:47 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
No Scottie Barnes or Gary Trent Jr. for the Raptors, per head coach Nick Nurse – 5:47 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Gary Trent Jr. and Scottie Barnes are out tonight. – 5:46 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Gary Trent Jr and Scottie Barnes will not play tonight – 5:46 PM
Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Play Memory Match and other games while you wait for tip-off and be entered to win great prizes from @FordCanada!
Check out Game Time now!
➡️ https://t.co/QwAD1fF392 pic.twitter.com/x0WbLqlYU35:44 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
NEW: A loaded Heat 6-pack, including what Zo and Ayton told Yurtseven, and Omer’s new lofty goal. PLUS good stuff from Kyle Guy as Heat decision looms; Duncan on playing off bench; Tucker best in league at this; more: miamiherald.com/sports/spt-col…5:40 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
New pod with @Chris Vernon on Klay’s return, the hot Raptors, latest on Ben Simmons and much more: open.spotify.com/episode/08Mf3T…5:40 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
We here. Suns vs. Raptors.
#Suns #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/HtXUTegV3s5:34 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Support the Raptors and your community by purchasing your 50/50 tickets today for a chance to WIN the jackpot!
Play to win today! ⬇️
🎟: https://t.co/pYwo4GOFZy pic.twitter.com/ohOkityZ7v5:26 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“As a fan, it was pretty cool to watch. The emotion, you could see it on his face.” Suns coach Monty Williams.
Klay Thompson’s return after missing two seasons takes Warriors-Suns matchup to different level (w/video) #Suns #Warriors #DubNation #NBA https://t.co/yPHSBU7eiz pic.twitter.com/x0IIkEp07z5:25 PM

Mike Lynch @SportInfo247
Every La Salle basketball fan is going to need to read @MikeSielski new book for some perspective on the Kobe recruitment I’ve never seen reported elsewhere – 5:19 PM
Chris Paul @CP3
Since 2009 second to only Bball, I’ve watched more golf than anything…prayers to Tim Rosaforte’s family 🙏🏾. Although I’d never met him I listened to and watched him all the time. Was always full of energy and kept me engaged as a fan of golf!! – 4:33 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Raptors have the NBA’s top offense the last 2 weeks, per @Ben Falk‘ numbers. 6-1 last 7 games.
VanVleet: 31.2 PPG
Siakam: 24.3 PPG
Anunoby: 18.3 PPG – 4:31 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
🏀 Real contenders in the West
🏀 Fred VanVleet: All-Star
🏀 The Ben Simmons trade machine
#TheMismatch with @Chris Vernon and @Kevin O’Connor: open.spotify.com/episode/08Mf3T…4:05 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Congrats to our @efirstbank Bingo monthly grand prize winners!
Join the action tonight and play along on the Suns app every game!
📱 https://t.co/T8bUcCzb76 pic.twitter.com/OL1dNjucVz3:50 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Klay Thompson’s return after missing two seasons takes Warriors-Suns matchup to different level (w/video) #DubNation #Suns
azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral3:35 PM
Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Just a couple of All-Stars ❤️
#FredVanVleet | #NBAAllStar
⭐️ 1 RT = 1 Vote ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/HKqdUGQHk53:20 PM

Trae Young @TheTraeYoung
Getting buckets? Easy. These photo shoots?… Different story. #ad @StateFarm @Chris Paul pic.twitter.com/26UlVDeMb32:39 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns officially sign veteran Bismack Biyombo for rest of 2021-22 season azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral2:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦
Currently 12 degrees.
Snow showers.
#Suns #Raptors tonight at @ScotiabankArena without fans amid rise in COVID-19 cases.
“I’m just preaching to the team that we’ve got to bring our own energy.” Jae Crowder.
Might want to bring a heater. too. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/EB3PbORiQ32:32 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
What JaVale said. 🗣
Vote for #NBAAllStar: https://t.co/AnajQDjz65 pic.twitter.com/Ifft7Dfkfj2:25 PM

Gary Tanguay @Gary_Tanguay
From a reader: Reads like a movie!
This was a great book! Read it in a couple sittings. Fast paced and filled with great likable characters and witty dialogue. Needs to be turned into a movie! TheArmAndTheFall.com1:53 PM