Two of the best turnaround stories in the NBA this season belong to the Toronto Raptors and the Phoenix Suns, who each missed the playoffs a year ago.
The teams will continue their journeys back to the postseason when they meet in Phoenix on Sunday. Toronto (39-30) is fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Suns (39-32) are seventh in the West.
Phoenix is looking to snap a season-worst five-game losing streak after falling 108-105 to the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Devin Booker was held to 14 points on 4-of-17 shooting in the loss.
The Raptors saw their three-game winning streak snapped in a 121-115 road loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Jakob Poeltl had 23 points and Brandon Ingram added 19 for Toronto, which led by nine at the start of the fourth quarter.
Denver rallied in the final period behind Jamal Murray, who finished with 31 points. Despite the loss, Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said he’s pleased with his team’s position after finishing 22 games under .500 last season.
“We are aware of where we’re at; we’re excited where we’re at,” Rajakovic said. “A year ago, the goal was to play meaningful games at this part of the year, and we’re in the middle of that.”
Ingram has scored at least 18 points in five straight games for Toronto, which is awaiting the return of forward Collin Murray-Boyles.
The 6-foot-7 rookie has missed the past 10 games with a left thumb sprain, but Rajakovic said he could return as soon as Sunday. Murray-Boyles is averaging 7.8 points per game in 47 games.
“Definitely putting a lot of work in,” Rajakovic said. “He’s going to be through (game-day scrimmages) now, just to get accustomed to playing and reconditioning and everything else. He’s doing a good job. He’s itching.”
The Raptors are seeking a season sweep against Phoenix after beating the Suns 122-115 in Toronto on March 13. Ingram scored 36 points in the victory.
The Suns are playing the second night of a back-to-back following the loss to Milwaukee. Jalen Green led Phoenix with 24 points, while Collin Gillespie added 18.
The Bucks focused on defending Booker, who was held to four points in the fourth quarter on 1-of-6 shooting. Green said the Suns should have been able to capitalize on Milwaukee’s gameplan.
“I just think our main player is getting doubled, we should be able to kill them,” Green said. “Anytime a double is sent, we should be able to kill them and do whatever we want. We’ve just got to figure it out.”
Suns coach Jordan Ott relied on his starters with several regulars sidelined, including Grayson Allen (left knee inflammation), Amir Coffey (left ankle sprain) and Royce O’Neale (left knee soreness).
Phoenix is also monitoring the status of forward Dillon Brooks, who has been out since suffering a fractured left hand on Feb. 21.
“We just want everyone back,” Ott said. “In a rhythm, would be a blessing. We just want everyone back.”
Both the Raptors and Suns finished in 11th place in their conferences last season, one spot out of the play-in tournament.
