Trent scores 35 points, Raptors beat short-handed Suns

Seattle Sports

TORONTO (AP) — Gary Trent Jr. matched his season high with 35 points, Pascal Siakam had 26 and the Toronto Raptors snapped a five-game home losing streak with a 113-104 victory over the short-handed and sloppy Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

Scottie Barnes hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 3:16 left in the fourth quarter and rookie center Christian Kololo followed with another long-range basket to help the Raptors win for the third time in 11 games. O.G. Anunoby scored 16 points and Barnes finished with 11.

Siakam has scored at least 25 points in seven consecutive games. Vince Carter did it in a franchise-record eight straight in February and March, 2001.

Chris Paul had 20 points and 12 assists, but had six of the Suns’ season-worst 27 turnovers that led to 34 points for the Raptors.

Mikal Bridges scored 21 points and Torrey Craig had 13 as Phoenix lost for the fifth time in its past six.

The Suns played their third straight game without All-Star guard Devin Booker, who is expected to miss at least four weeks because of a strained left groin.

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Booker had missed five of seven games because of hamstring and groin ailments before returning against Denver on Christmas Day. He lasted just four minutes before leaving. The Suns also are without Cam Johnson (right knee), Cameron Payne (right foot) and Landry Shamet (right Achilles).

Toronto guard Fred VanVleet missed his second straight game because of a sore lower back

The Raptors led 33-24 after one quarter, and were up 53-51 at the half.

Trent dunked after stealing Craig’s errant pass with 9:32 left in the third quarter. That was the 19th turnover for Phoenix, matching its previous single-game worst this season.

Suns guard Josh Okogie turned the ball over again 23 seconds later, leading to a 3 for Siakam.

After scoring 10 points off 15 Phoenix turnovers in the first half, Toronto scored 15 points off seven Suns turnovers in the third quarter.

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Trent scored 18 points in the third as the Raptors took an 86-79 lead to the fourth.

TIP-INS

Suns: Had nine turnovers in the first quarter. … Jock Landale had 11 rebounds. … Duane Washington Jr. scored 11 points. … Outrebounded Toronto 42-32.

Raptors: Went 5-10 in December. … Trent shot 9 for 9 at the free throw line.

UP NEXT

Suns: At New York on Sunday.

Raptors: At Indiana on Monday night.

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