The Phoenix Suns lost to the Toronto Raptors on Friday, 122-115. It was a fantastic performance from both teams, but it was the Raptors who won the game through some stellar defensive plays from Scottie Barnes, including his block of Jalen Green's highlight dunk.
Suns star Devin Booker lamented his team's late-game execution. However, he also felt that the Raptors got away with a no-call on Barnes' block. It will go down as one of the best defensive highlights of the season, but it leaves a sour taste in Booker's mouth.
Booker laments Barnes' block not getting called for a foul
Booker and the Suns could have won the game, but the Raptors' stingy defense led to their victory. The Suns' backcourt tried their best, as they scored a combined 65 points, but it was not enough. Toronto's defense and Brandon Ingram's 36-point night resulted in a Raptors win.
It is a tough loss to stomach for the Suns because they could have easily won the game. If Green had made the dunk, the momentum would have been in their favor. Unfortunately, Barnes made the play and got a no-call, according to Booker.
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Of course, Booker is more critical of his team's performance, especially during crunch time. However, he wants more people to be aware of the referees' inconsistencies, including the no-call that the Suns could've had with Green's dunk attempt.
"He cocked it back. He could've quick dunked it, too, but it was definitely contact. I don't know if it was before or after the ball was hit, but that was the inconsistency for the majority of the night. We try to up the pressure, then it gets called. It's a tough in between," Booker said to Arizona Central's Duane Rankin after the loss to Toronto.
Moving forward, this should be a lesson for the Suns with their late-game execution. At the same time, Green could be converting his dunks better because he could've had an easy two points if he had not cocked back the attempt.
The Suns are moving in the right direction, but losses like this could have easily been wins. However, it is a lesson learned for Green and the rest of Phoenix's team. It will be challenging to win every game, but this is a good lesson for the squad.
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