The Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns have a rich history of competition. Since the Raptors’ inception in 1995, they have faced each other 55 times in regular-season NBA games. The Suns have maintained a significant edge over the Raptors throughout their encounters, establishing an overall record of 34-21 against Toronto.
Head-to-Head Record
The Suns’ dominance in this matchup is evident in their impressive win percentage of 61.8% against the Raptors. Toronto, in contrast, has managed to secure victories in only 38.2% of their games against Phoenix. This disparity is consistently reflected in both home and away games. The Suns have proven formidable on their home court, boasting an 18-10 record, while also performing strongly on the road with a 16-11 away record. On the other hand, the Raptors have struggled to gain the upper hand, posting an 11-16 record at home and a 10-18 record when playing in Phoenix. Those betting in Arizona on the games have seen the Raptors cover the spread in five of the last six meetings and seven of the previous ten games.
Notable Streaks and Performances
The Phoenix Suns hold the record for the longest winning streak in this matchup, with an impressive run of 14 consecutive victories spanning from December 26, 2004, to March 23, 2011. This remarkable streak showcased the Suns’ dominance during that era and solidified their upper hand in the rivalry. While not as lengthy, the Toronto Raptors’ best streak against the Suns is still noteworthy. They managed to string together six consecutive wins, beginning on December 5, 2017, with a 126-113 victory lasting until March 3, 2020. This period marked a significant improvement in the Raptors’ performance against Phoenix and hinted at a potential shift in the rivalry’s dynamics.
Regarding the most significant margins of victory, both teams have had moments of dominance. The Phoenix Suns’ most decisive win over the Raptors came on February 27, 2009, in Phoenix, where they secured a 20-point victory with a final score of 133-113. The Raptors, however, hold the record for the most significant margin of victory between the two teams. On March 6, 2013, also in Phoenix, Toronto delivered a crushing 27-point defeat to the Suns, with the scoreboard reading 98-71 at the final buzzer.
Most Recent Performances
The March 7, 2024, matchup between the Raptors and Suns showcased individual talent. Kevin Durant led the charge for the Suns, scoring an impressive 35 points on efficient 11-of-19 shooting. His teammate Grayson Allen had a night to remember, contributing 26 points and setting a new franchise record with seven 3-pointers in the first quarter alone. Bradley Beal rounded out the Suns’ top performers with 20 points and eight assists. Gary Trent Jr. made a valiant effort on the Raptors’ side, leading Toronto with 30 points. Immanuel Quickley had a career night, recording 21 points and a personal-best 18 assists. RJ Barrett also made a significant impact, adding 23 points to the Raptors’ total.
Historical Context
The rivalry between these teams traces back to the 1995-96 season when the Raptors joined the NBA as an expansion team. In their inaugural season, the Raptors faced significant challenges against the more established Suns, losing their matchups. Over the years, the dynamics of this rivalry have evolved. While the Suns dominated the early years, the Raptors have shown marked improvement in recent seasons. This shift in competitiveness was particularly evident in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, where Toronto managed to sweep the season series against Phoenix.
Impact Players
Throughout the history of this matchup, several players have left an indelible mark on the rivalry. Steve Nash, the Canadian point guard with two stints with the Suns (1996-1998 and 2004-2012), often delivered stellar performances against his home country’s team. During his tenure with the Raptors from 1998 to 2004, Vince Carter turned games against the Suns into must-watch events with his electrifying style of play. Chris Bosh, a cornerstone of the Raptors franchise from 2003 to 2010, engaged in fierce battles against the Suns’ frontcourt, consistently making his presence felt. In recent years, Devin Booker has emerged as a key player for the Suns in their matchups against Toronto, often proving to be a thorn in the side of the Raptors’ defense.
Conclusion
While not among the NBA’s most storied rivalries, the ongoing competition between the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns has provided basketball fans with exciting matchups for over two decades. As both franchises continue to evolve and develop, their future encounters promise to add new chapters to this inter-conference rivalry. The emergence of young talents on both sides suggests that the balance of power in this matchup may shift in the coming years, potentially leading to more competitive and closely contested games between these two teams.
