Klay Thompson explains his biggest challenge in returning to the Warriors — Monterey Herald

MILWAUKEE — Klay Thompson isn’t hurt. He isn’t tired. He’s feeling great after his first two games back from two and a half years away. The hardest part, he said, is simply that he can’t play enough – not yet. Thompson, to start, has a strict 20-minute-per-game limit on his playing time, under the order…

Klay Thompson explains his biggest challenge in returning to the Warriors — Monterey Herald

Wizards’ Harrell, Caldwell-Pope reportedly fought during halftime of win over Thunder — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports

No punches were landed, but teammates had to separate them.

Wizards’ Harrell, Caldwell-Pope reportedly fought during halftime of win over Thunder — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports

MAPLE LEAFS 4, GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 (SO)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (23-8-3 – 49 Points) at
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (23-14-2 – 48 Points)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022
1 2 3 OT SO FINAL
TORONTO 1 2 0 0 1 (1-3) 4
VEGAS 1 0 2 0 0 (0-3) 3

ON THE SCORESHEET

  • William Nylander scored for Toronto at 1:24 of the first period. Nylander scored his 16th goal of the season. During the shootout, Nylander scored the game-winning goal for the Maple Leafs.
  • Auston Matthews scored for the Maple Leafs at 11:43 of the second period. Matthews recorded his 23rd goal of the season. Matthews has posted four points (3G, 1A) through the last three games.
  • Ilya Mikheyev scored for Toronto at 16:46 of the second period. Mikheyev posted his fourth goal of the season. Mikheyev has recorded five points (4G, 1A) through the last four games.
  • Morgan Rielly posted the primary assist on Nylander’s goal. Rielly recorded his 25th assist of the season. Rielly has registered an assist in consecutive games.
  • Alexander Kerfoot registered the secondary assist on Nylander’s goal. Kerfoot posted his 19th assist of the season. Kerfoot has recorded nine points (2G, 7A) through the last four games.
  • Michael Bunting recorded the primary assist on Matthews’ goal. Bunting registered his 14th assist of the season. Bunting has registered an assist in consecutive games.
  • Ondřej Kaše posted the secondary assist on Matthews’ goal. Kaše recorded his ninth assist of the season.
  • Wayne Simmonds recorded the primary assist on Mikheyev’s goal. Simmonds posted his eighth assist of the season. Simmonds has registered an assist in consecutive games.
  • Justin Holl posted the secondary assist on Mikheyev’s goal. Holl recorded his second assist of the season.
  • Jack Campbell stopped 31 of 34 shots he faced in tonight’s win. With his win tonight, Campbell posted his 18th win of the season recording an NHL career high.
    SHOTS ON GOAL (5-on-5 in brackets)
    1st 2nd 3rd OT TOTAL
    TORONTO 9 (8) 6 (6) 2 (1) 1 (0) 18 (15)
    VEGAS 6 (5) 14 (14) 12 (7) 2 (0) 34 (26)
    SHOT ATTEMPTS (5-on-5 in brackets)
    1st 2nd 3rd OT TOTAL
    TORONTO 24 (19) 11 (11) 7 (6) 4 (0) 46 (36)
    VEGAS 8 (7) 22 (21) 21 (14) 3 (0) 54 (42)
    ON THE ROAD AGAIN
  • The Maple Leafs are 9-4-2 on the road this season.
  • Toronto’s all-time record is 6-2-0 in 8 games against the Vegas Golden Knights and 2-2-0 in 4 games played in Vegas.
  • Toronto is 12-3-2 against the Western Conference this season and 8-2-0 against the Pacific Division
    this season.
    MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS
    Shots 3 (Kaše, Matthews)
    Shot Attempts 6 (Matthews)
    Faceoff Wins 13 (Tavares)
    Faceoff Win Percentage 100% (Spezza – 3 won, 0 lost)
    Hits 10 (Sandin)
    Blocked Shots 4 (Muzzin)
    Takeaways 3 (Bunting)
    TOI 24:45 (Rielly)
    Power Play TOI 2:21 (Sandin)
    Shorthanded TOI 5:41 (Kämpf)
    Shifts 32 (Rielly)
    5-on-5 Shot Attempt Percentage 60.00% (Ondřej Kaše – 12 for, 8 against, Travis
    Dermott – 9 for, 6 against, Kyle Clifford – 6 for, 4
    against and Nick Ritchie – 6 for, 4 against)
    RECORD WHEN…
  • The Maple Leafs were 0-for-2 on the power play and 3-for-5 on the penalty kill tonight.
  • Toronto is 17-2-1 when scoring the first goal of the game.
  • The Maple Leafs are 8-4-0 when tied after one period and 18-0-1 when leading after two periods.
  • Toronto is 9-4-1 when outshot by their opponent.
  • The Maple Leafs are 5-0-0 in Tuesday games and 3-2-1 in the first game of a back-to-back.
    OF NOTE…
  • The Maple Leafs have a 1-1 shootout record this season.
  • With his second period goal in tonight’s game, Auston Matthews has tied the team record for consecutive road games with a goal (8). He is the fourth players to accomplish this feat joining Babe Dye (Jan. 3 to Feb. 12, 1921), Frank Mahovlich (Dec. 1, 1960 to Jan. 5, 1961) and Daniel Marois (Oct. 7 to Nov. 9, 1989).
  • Rasmus Sandin posted a single-game career high 10 hits during tonight’s game.
  • Justin Holl was on the ice for a team-high 15 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5.
  • Ondřej Kaše (12 for, 8 against), Travis Dermott (9 for, 6 against), Kyle Clifford (6 for, 4 against) and Nick Ritchie (6 for, 4 against) finished the game with a team-high 5-on-5 shot attempt
    percentage of 60.00 percent.
    UPCOMING GAMES:
    Jan. 12 Leafs at Arizona Gila River Arena 10:00 pm ET
    Jan. 15 Leafs at St. Louis Enterprise Center 7:00 pm ET
    Jan. 19 Leafs at New York Rangers Madison Square Garden 7:30 pm ET
    Jan. 22 Leafs at New York Islanders UBS Arena 7:00 pm ET
    Jan. 26 Leafs vs. Anaheim Scotiabank Arena 7:00 pm ET
    Jan. 29 Leafs at Detroit Little Caesars Arena 7:00 pm ET
    Stats reflect official NHL stats at the time of distribution. Please consult official
    POSTGAME QUOTES:
    HEAD COACH SHELDON KEEFE
    On tonight’s win:
    “I thought that we started the second period, gave them the game back and opened it up, and it led to one of those stretches – a three, four minute stretch – where we really couldn’t get the puck, couldn’t get
    anything going. We really allowed their game to take hold. That was the type of game we thought it would be. They’re that type of team. We make a mistake on an entry, have no structure coming back up ice and make it easy on them to get through the neutral zone which we really hadn’t done through the whole first
    period. Then they got their o-zone game going from there. That made it a tougher second period for us. We were able to get two goals which was obviously huge for us. We had an opportunity in the third period to make good on what we failed to do the other night [in Colorado] and we failed to do that again here today. I think the third period is a lot different than it was the
    other night. I didn’t think we gave up very much in the third period. In fact, at five-on-five I think we gave up two scoring chances in the third period. One is the goal early in the third. Obviously, we make an unacceptable and rare mistake on the penalty kill, take the too many men that puts us down five-on-three. That’s the difference there. We go from missing a shorthanded breakaway and breaking the game into a two-goal lead again, instead we’re killing five-on-three and the game is tied. Disappointed with that. To
    look at it here, we’ve played two very elite teams here in the west and got three out of four points, so we feel good about that but if we want to be a serious hockey team we need to be better in third periods and
    find ways to control the game.”
    WILLIAM NYLANDER
    On tonight’s game:
    “I think our line, we weren’t good tonight. We struggled. They had heavy o-zone pressure on us, made a couple sloppy plays. We were able to get the win which was big but we have to bear down in those areas.”
    On the shootout:
    “Yeah they’re great. You have a lot of space so it’s fun being out there on the three-on-three and then the
    shootout you just try and score and get the W.”
    AUSTON MATTHEWS
    On the chemistry he has developed with Michael Bunting:
    “It’s been great, honestly. I think ever since training camp we’ve got to know each other pretty well and have got pretty close so I think ever since we’ve started playing together it’s been a lot of fun. We just try
    to feed off each other and get better and better every day and just read off each other no matter who we’re playing with. It’s been a lot of fun playing with him. He works hard. He’s easy to play with. He goes into those dirty areas and he fishes out pucks and he makes plays. Just an easy guy to play with.”
    On if he wants to raise his game for Bunting’s return to Arizona tomorrow night:
    “Absolutely. We’re expecting big things. He’s been talking about this game for a long time and there should be a pretty big video tribute for him and all that stuff. I think he’s excited. I know I’m excited to go back home and play in front of friends and family. We’ve got a team that’s waiting for us back there so I
    think we’ll be ready to go.”
    MICHAEL BUNTING
    On his chemistry with Auston Matthews:
    “Obviously playing with him has been a great opportunity for myself. I’ve said this before, but he and I hang out quite a bit off the ice so we’ve built that chemistry off the ice and we bring it on the ice. Just playing with him is a lot of fun and I try to get open and dig pucks for him and make plays because
    obviously he’s one of the best players in the world. Every single night he’s bringing his game so I know I’ve got to bring mine.”
    On returning to Arizona tomorrow:
    “I’m really excited to go back. Obviously, they’re the team that drafted me and pretty much started my pro career. I spent a long time in that organization, mostly in the minors with the Tucson Roadrunners, so I’m sure there’s going to be some fans from Tucson coming to support. I saw a couple here tonight, actually, so that was pretty cool. Just playing in front of the Coyotes fans will be a lot of fun as well. They treated me great, that organization, and I had a blast while I was playing there. I’ve been looking forward to this
    since the season has started and I know [Matthews] has as well, obviously growing up in Arizona. Obviously, it’s a special game for him as well.”
    JACK CAMPBELL
    On his recent play:
    “Yeah, I’m just having a blast in there playing with the group we have and another hard-fought battle tonight. It’s nice to finish the job and get the two points.”
    On the goaltender tandem between himself and Petr Mrázek:
    “Yeah, I’m just excited for Petr to get in there and do his thing. Whenever coach taps one of us on the shoulder and tells us it’s our time, we’ll be ready. I’m just excited to keep working on my game and the partnership Petr and I have

SUNS 99, RAPTORS 95

TORONTO & PHOENIX POSTGAME VIDEO: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2j8fgl17gig3szo/AAB_ze09Pd9gbmQ4iXZXs3URa?dl=0

TORONTO RAPTORSPOSTGAME NOTES

FINAL SCORE: PHOENIX SUNS 99, TORONTO RAPTORS 95

DATE: TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022

 FINAL SCORERECORDHIGH POINTSHIGH REBOUNDSHIGH ASSISTS
Phoenix9931-9Crowder – 19Ayton – 9Paul – 12
Toronto9520-18Anunoby – 25Boucher – 16Siakam – 7
KEY RUN

Trailing 90-89 with 1:02 remaining in the fourth quarter, Devin Booker hit a jump shot to put the Suns up by one … Following a miss from Pascal Siakam, Chris Paul made a pullup two to push the lead to three … Phoenix made all six of its free throw attempts in the final 10 seconds to preserve the victory.  

KEY STAT

Phoenix shot .473 (35-74) from the field, while holding the Raptors to .404 (36-89) shooting from the floor … Toronto shot just 28 percent (7-25) in the fourth, including .154 (2-13) from three-point range.

RAPTORS NOTES:

  • With the loss, Toronto falls to 20-18 this season and 12-11 at home … The Raptors willbegin a five-game road trip (Jan. 14-21), Friday in Detroit.
  • OG Anunoby scored a team-high 25 points and added two rebounds and two steals in 39 minutes … Anunoby has scored in double digits in every game since returning to the lineup Dec. 31, averaging 19.3 points and shooting .469 (45-for-96) from the field during this span.
  • Pascal Siakam tallied 22 points, seven rebounds and a team-best seven assists in 39 minutes … Siakam has now recorded five or more assists in a career-high eight consecutive games (Dec. 28 – Jan. 11), averaging 6.5 assists during this stretch … With his 22 points tonight, Siakam passed Jose Calderon (5,234) for eighth on the Raptors’ all-time scoring list (5,255).
  • Fred VanVleet finished with 21 points, five assists and two steals in 44 minutes … VanVleet has now made 4+ three-pointers in a franchise record nine consecutive games (Dec. 14 – Jan. 11) … VanVleet has finished with 20+ points in eight of his last nine games played (Dec. 14 – Jan. 11), averaging 29.6 points and shooting .465 (89-for-191) from the field, including .451 (51-for-113) from beyond the arc …. Tonight, he reached 1,500 assists, becoming just the seventh Raptor to achieve the milestone.
  • Chris Boucher recorded 13 points and a team-high 16 rebounds in 37 minutes off the bench for his third double-double of the season … Boucher collected 15+ rebounds for just the fifth time in his career and second time this season.
  • OG Anunoby (25), Pascal Siakam (22)and Fred VanVleet (21),combined to score 68 of Toronto’s 95 points … Tonight marked just the second game this season VanVleet, Siakam and Anunoby each scored 20+ points.
  • The Raptors grabbed a season-best 22 offensive rebounds, led by a career high-tying nine offensive boards from Chris Boucher and career-best five offensive rebounds from Justin Champagnie.

SUNS NOTES:

  • With the win, Phoenix improves to31-9, including 14-4 on the road … The Suns have won three consecutive games against the Raptors (Jan. 6, 2021 – Jan.11, 2022) for the first time since Nov. 29, 2009 – Mar. 3, 2011) … Phoenix’s 31-9 record to start the season is tied for the second-best start in franchise history through 40 games …The Suns will continue a five game road trip (Jan. 11-20) Friday in Indiana.
  • Jae Crowder finished with a season high-tying 19 points (7-14 FG, 5-11 3PT) and added five rebounds and three assists in 35 minutes … Tonight marked just the second time Crowder has led the Suns in scoring this season.
  • Chris Paul recorded 15 points, including a team-high 12 assists and five steals in 33 minutes … Paul has recorded 5+ steals five times this season, something he did not do during the 2020-21 season.

=

2021-22 SEASON-SERIES ALL-TIME RECORDS
DATESITERESULT  RAPTORS WINSSUNS WINS
01/11/2022TorontoL 99-95 Overall:1832
03/11/2022Phoenix at Toronto:916
 at Phoenix:916
     

Warriors, Grizzlies battle to the end in potential playoff preview — Marin Independent Journal

MEMPHIS — Gary Payton II proved in training camp that he deserved a roster spot. It didn’t take long to establish that he would outplay his 15th spot on the roster. But never has his value to the Golden State Warriors been clearer than Tuesday night inside FedEx Forum, even in a 116-108 loss. When…

Warriors, Grizzlies battle to the end in potential playoff preview — Marin Independent Journal

MAPLE LEAFS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS PREGAME NOTES


RECENT TRANSACTIONS


2021-22 Matchups vs. Vegas: Second of Two
2021-22 Record vs. Vegas: 1-0-0
Toronto Season Record: 22-8-3
Toronto Road Record: 8-4-2
TV: TSN4 RADIO: TSN 1050
January 7, 2022
Forwards Joey Anderson and Brett Seney have been assigned to the
Maple Leafs taxi squad from the Toronto Marlies (AHL)
January 5, 2022
Forward Kyle Clifford has been assigned to the Maple Leafs taxi squad
from the Toronto Marlies (AHL)
January 3, 2022
Defenceman Teemu Kivihalme has been reassigned to the Toronto
Marlies (AHL) from the Maple Leafs taxi squad
December 31, 2021
Defenceman Chad Krys has been reassigned to the Toronto Marlies
(AHL) from the Maple Leafs taxi squad

LAST GAME
Score: Toronto 4 at Colorado 5 – OTL
Date: Saturday, January 8, 2022
TOR Goals: Kerfoot, Matthews (x2), Ritchie
COL Goals: MacKinnon, Makar, Landeskog, Compher, Toews
TOR Goaltender: Campbell, 44/49, .898 SV%
COL Goaltender: Kuemper, 5/8, .625 SV%, Francouz, 18/19, .947 SV%
TOR Power Play: 1-for-1
TOR Penalty Kill: 4-for-4

NEXT GAME
Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Opponent: at Arizona Coyotes
Time: 10 pm ET
Broadcast Information: TSN4 (TV), Sportsnet 590 (Radio)

INJURY REPORT
Pierre Engvall Placed into the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol
Mitch Marner Placed into the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol
Ondrej Kaše Day-to-Day
ALL-TIME VS. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS:

First Matchup between Clubs: November 6, 2017 (Toronto 4 vs. Vegas 3 – SOW)
All-Time Record: 5-2-0 (7 Games)
All-Time Record at Home: 4-0-0 (4 Games)
All-Time Record on the Road: 1-2-0 (3 Games)
Last Road Win vs. Opponent: February 14, 2019 (Toronto 6 at Vegas 3)
Record in Last Five Games: 4-1-0

ACTIVE LEADERS VS. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS:
Games Played: Kyle Clifford (18), Jake Muzzin (12), Nick Ritchie (10), TJ Brodie (10)
Goals:
Auston Matthews (7), Mitch Marner (3), Wayne Simmonds (3), John
Tavares (3)
Assists:
Mitch Marner (5), Morgan Rielly (5), Jake Muzzin (4), William Nylander (4),
John Tavares (4)
Points: Auston Matthews (9), Mitch Marner (8), John Tavares (7)
Penalty Minutes:
Kyle Clifford (7), Justin Holl (4), Jake Muzzin (4), Alexander Kerfoot (4),
Wayne Simmonds (4), Michael Bunting (4), John Tavares (4)

2021-22 AVERAGES AND RANKINGS
Points % GF/Game GA/Game PP% PK% SF/G SA/G FO%
Toronto .712 3.39 2.49 30.9% 83.7% 34.1 31.6 55.6%
Vegas .618 3.47 2.97 19.0% 77.7% 34.2 30.0 46.7%

THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2021-22
Power Play: 29/94 (30.9%)
Power Play Goal Leader: 8 – Matthews
Power Play Point Leader: 15 – Matthews (8G, 7A)
2020-21 Power Play: 31/155 (20.0%)

ON THE PK IN 2021-22
Penalty Kill: 77/92 (83.7%)
Shorthanded Goal Leader: 1 – Marner, Holl, Mikheyev
Shorthanded Point Leader: 2 – Brodie (2A)
2020-21 Penalty Kill: 113/144 (78.5%)

FAST FACTS
Tuesday games 5th of 14 (8 home, 6 road)
Back-to-Backs played 5 of 11
Record in first game of back-to-back 2-2-1
Record in second game of back-to-back 2-3-0
January games 4th of 10 (3 home, 7 road)
RECENT MILESTONES

TJ Brodie Appeared in his 700th career NHL game, Nov. 2, 2021 vs. VGK
TJ Brodie Scored his 50th career NHL goal, Dec. 14, 2021 at EDM
Jack Campbell Appeared in his 100th career NHL game, Nov. 16, 2021 vs. NSH
Pierre Engvall Appeared in his 100th career NHL game, Nov. 2, 2021 vs. VGK
Ondrej Kaše Recorded his 100th career NHL point, Nov. 10, 2021 at PHI
Ondrej Kaše Scored his 50th career NHL goal, Dec. 9, 2021 vs. TBL
Alexander Kerfoot Appeared in his 300th career NHL game, Nov. 26, 2021 at SJS
Alexander Kerfoot Recorded his 100th career NHL assist, Jan. 1, 2022 vs. OTT
Auston Matthews Recorded his 200th career NHL goal, Oct. 25, 2021 at CAR
Morgan Rielly Recorded his 250th career NHL assist, Oct. 27, 2021 at CHI
Morgan Rielly Skated in his 600th career NHL game, Dec. 9, 2021 vs. TBL
Wayne Simmonds Skated in his 950th career NHL game, Oct. 16, 2021 vs. OTT
Jason Spezza Skated in his 1,200th career NHL game, Nov. 28, 2021 at ANA
John Tavares Recorded his 200th point with the Maple Leafs, Oct. 18, 2021 vs. NYR
John Tavares Scored his 100th goal with the Maple Leafs, Nov. 13, 2021 at BUF
John Tavares Skated in his 900th career NHL game, Jan. 1, 2022 vs. OTT

UPCOMING MILESTONES
TJ Brodie Nine points away from 300 career NHL points
David Kämpf Three assists away from 50 career NHL assists
Ilya Mikheyev Three games away from 100 career NHL games played
William Nylander Two points away from 300 career NHL points
William Nylander Nine games away from 400 career NHL games playe

Chauncey Billups: Kyrie Irving most-skilled point guard of all-time — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports

Kyrie Irving called himself a basketball genius.

Chauncey Billups: Kyrie Irving most-skilled point guard of all-time — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports

SUNS-RAPTORS PREGAME NOTES

GAME #38 – TORONTO RAPTORS (20-17) vs. PHOENIX SUNS (30-9)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022 – 7:30 P.M. (ET) – SCOTIABANK ARENA
TV: TSN – RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN


• The Toronto Raptors (20-17) finish a three-game homestand (Jan. 7-11) Tuesday night when they host the Phoenix Suns (30-9) at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto begins a five-game road trip (Jan. 14-21) Friday night in
Detroit. The Suns swept the season-series in 2020-21. Prior to last season, the Raptors had won six in a row against Phoenix. Toronto is three games above .500 for the first time since opening the season 6-3.
• The NBA announced Monday that Fred VanVleet has been named as Eastern Conference Player of the Week (Jan. 3-9) for the first time in his career. VanVleet led the Raptors to a perfect 4-0 record, averaging 30.3 points (sixth in the NBA), 6.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 36.5 minutes. He shot .467 (42-90) from the field, .453 (24-53) from three-point range and was 13-for-13 at the free throw line. VanVleet scored 30+ points three times and recorded his first career triple-double with a season-best 37 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists Jan. 7 vs. Utah. His 37 points was the most scored in a triple-double in franchise history.
• The Raptors extended their winning streak to a season-high six games (Dec. 31 – Jan. 9) with a 105-101 win over New Orleans on Sunday. Fred VanVleet scored 32 points and Pascal Siakam had 29 points and
10 rebounds in the victory. The Raptors have now won five straight and 10 of their last 12 at home. Over the last six games, VanVleet and Siakam are averaging 31.2 and 23.7 points, respectively. VanVleet has
scored 30+ in five of the last six, while Siakam has recorded four double-doubles. The last time Toronto won seven in a row was March 3 – Aug. 5, 2020.
• Toronto outrebounded New Orleans 15-7 on the offensive glass Sunday night, leading to a 24-6 advantage in second-chance points for the Raptors. During the team’s six-game win streak, Toronto has outrebounded opponents 89-to-50 on the offensive end and hold a +30 turnover differential (73-to-103). The Raptors currently rank second in the NBA in both offensive rebounds (13.1) and second-chance points (16.8).
• Fred VanVleet has made at least four three-pointers in a franchise record eight consecutive games (Dec. 14 – Jan 9) – tied with Stephen Curry for the longest streak in the NBA this season. VanVleet is averaging 30.6 points and shooting .456 (47-103) from beyond the arc over the last eight games.
• Fred VanVleet (136) and Gary Trent Jr. (116) currently rank second and fourth, respectively, in the NBA in total deflections. VanVleet has led the NBA in deflections per game each of the past two seasons, while Trent Jr. also ranks fourth in the league in steals per game (1.91) and has recorded multiple steals in 20 games. The Raptors lead the NBA in deflections per game (18.9) and rank third in steals (9.2).
PROBABLE STARTERS
F – OG ANUNOBY #3

MIN: 35.8 REB: 5.2 AST: 2.4 STL: 1.6 TO: 1.5 BLK: 0.4 PTS: 19.0
• Finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes of action Jan. 9 vs. New Orleans.
• The Raptors are 6-0 since Anunoby and VanVleet returned to the lineup Dec. 31 vs. the LA Clippers.
• Has scored in double figures in six straight games, averaging 18.3 points during this stretch.
F – PASCAL SIAKAM #43

MIN: 35.6 REB: 8.4 AST: 4.5 STL: 0.9 TO: 2.5 BLK: 0.8 PTS: 20.6
• Recorded 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 43 minutes Jan. 9 vs. New Orleans.
• Has recorded 5+ assists in a career-high seven straight games (Dec. 28 – Jan. 9); averaging 6.4 assists.
• Leads the team with eight double-doubles this season despite missing 13 games.
C – KHEM BIRCH #24

MIN: 21.6 REB: 5.3 AST: 1.2 STL: 0.9 TO: 0.7 BLK: 0.5 PTS: 6.0


• Contributed six points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 21 minutes Jan. 9 vs. New Orleans.
• Has missed 14 games (Nov. 7-11, Nov. 24 – Dec. 18) this season with right knee swelling.
• Averaging 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 21.9 minutes in five games as a starter.
G – SCOTTIE BARNES #4

MIN: 35.5 REB: 8.0 AST: 3.5 STL: 1.0 TO: 1.9 BLK: 0.9 PTS: 14.7
• Tallied seven points, four rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes of action Jan. 9 vs. New Orleans.
• Ranks second among rookies in rebounds (8.0), fourth in assists (3.5) and fifth in scoring (14.7).
• Averaging 9.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists through five games in January.
G – FRED VANVLEET #23

MIN: 37.5 REB: 5.0 AST: 6.7 STL: 1.7 TO: 2.7 BLK: 0.6 PTS: 22.0
• Scored a game-high 32 points Jan. 9 vs. New Orleans; added four rebounds and four assists in 39 minutes.
• The Raptors improved to 15-3, including 7-1 this season, when he scores 30 or more points.
• Leads the NBA in minutes per game (37.5), has logged 40+ minutes seven times.

INJURY REPORT
Goran Dragic (NWT) – Out
Scottie Barnes (Right Knee; Soreness) – Questionable
Gary Trent Jr. (Left Ankle; Swelling) – Questionable

2021-22 RECORDS
W-L EAST WEST
OVERALL 20-17 12-11 8-6
HOME 12-10 6-7 6-3
AWAY 8-7 6-4 2-3
OVERTIME 0-1 0-1 0-0

NEXT GAME DETAILS
Opponent: Detroit Pistons
Date: Friday, January 14
Tip-Off: 7 p.m. (ET)
Venue: Little Caesars Arena
Television: TSN
Radio: TSN 1050 Toronto
SERIES RECAP VS. DETROIT
OVERALL HOME ROAD
2021-22 0-1 0-1 0-0
ALL-TIME 38-58 19-27 19-31
STREAKS Lost 4 Lost 2 Lost 2
LAST WIN: Jan. 31, 2020 (105-92)
LAST ROAD WIN: Jan. 31, 2020 (105-92)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +30 (Dec 23, 2009)
LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -44 (Jan. 4, 1997)
LAST TIME VS. DETROIT
GAME 14 – NOVEMBER 13, 2021
DETROIT 127, TORONTO 121
TORONTO — Jerami Grant scored 24 points, including two key three-pointers in the fourth quarter, and Detroit beat Toronto 127-121, handing
the Raptors their fourth loss in five games … Isaiah Stewart added 20 for
the Pistons, who’ve beaten Toronto in their last four meetings … Pascal
Siakam had 25 points and 12 rebounds in his third game back since missing the beginning of the season recovering from shoulder surgery … Gary
Trent Jr. had 23 points while OG Anunoby had 17 … Goran Dragic added
16, Dalano Banton finished with 12 and Scottie Barnes had 11 … Neither
team led by double digits through the first three quarters of the back-and-forth affair … Toronto took a 95-93 lead into the fourth … But the Raptors
fizzled in the fourth quarter, as Detroit hit five consecutive three-pointers –
two by Grant – that put the Pistons up 117-106 … The Raptors scored five
straight points to pull to within six … Siakam converted a three-point play
with 2:04 to play to slice the difference to just three … But Cade Cunningham shimmied to the hoop to make it a five-point game heading into the
final minute … The Raptors missed four shots on their next possession,
which all but ensured the loss … The Raptors were missing starting guard
Fred VanVleet (groin strain) and Precious Achiuwa (sore shoulder).
1 2 3 4 TOT
DETROIT 31 34 28 34 127
TORONTO 34 30 31 26 121

SUNS NOTES

Regular Season Game #40 | Road Game #18
Scotiabank Arena | Toronto, Canada
January 11, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. (Phoenix time)
RADIO: ESPN Phoenix 620 AM/KSUN-La Mejor | TV: Bally Sports Arizona
(20-17)

QUICKLY: With a win tonight, the Suns would move to 31-9 on the season in what would tie as the team’s best start in franchise history through the first 40 games of a season (31-8 start in three different seasons) … With a win tonight, the Suns would move to 16-9 all-time against the Raptors on the road, which would match their all-time home record against Toronto … Cam Johnson
extended his career-long streak to 19-straight games of scoring 10+ points Saturday and has made 2+ 3FG in 22-straight games, the longest streak in the NBA this season and the longest in franchise history … After shooting 13-for-13 from the charity stripe on Saturday, Devin Booker moved into sole
possession of third place on the Suns’ all-time free throw percentage list at 87.1 percent, sitting just ahead of Eddie Johnson (87.0 FT%) and trails only Steve Nash (90.7 FT%) and Kyle Macy (88.4 FT%).
LAST GAME’S STARTERS (2021-22 record when starting this lineup: 15-5)
F 25 MIKAL BRIDGES6-6 209
LAST GAME: Tallied 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting (4-of-7 3FG) and 6 rebounds vs. MIA
SEASON VS. TOR: Averaged 12.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 2 games vs. TOR last season

  • In 2020-21, posted 1 of just 4 seasons in NBA history shooting at least 54 FG% and 42 3P%
  • … Only NBA player to not miss a game for any reason past 3 seasons entering 21-22
    F 99 JAE CROWDER 6-6 235
    LAST GAME: Returned to the court to score 3 points and grab 5 rebounds vs. MIA
    SEASON VS. TOR: Averaged 14.5 points, 4.0 3FG and 4.0 rebounds in 2 games vs. TOR
  • Has scored 10+ points in a career-long 18-straight games and has made 2+ three-pointers
    in 21-straight games, the most in the NBA this season and a franchise record
    C 22 DEANDRE AYTON 6-11 250
    LAST GAME: Notched 12 points, 8 rebounds and a block vs. MIA on Saturday
    SEASON VS. TOR: In 2 games vs. TOR last season, averaged 15.0 pts on 70 FG% & 12.5 rebs
  • Shot 65.8 FG% during 2021 Playoffs, the best FG% (min. 100 FGM) by a player in a single
    postseason in NBA history (prev. 62.2% by James Worthy in 1985)
    G 1 DEVIN BOOKER 6-5 206
    LAST GAME: Scored a team-high 26 points (13-for-13 FT) to go with 4 rebounds and 2 steals
    SEASON VS. TOR: Averaged 20.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 2 games vs. TOR last season
  • Having notched 2,000 career assists earlier in the season, Booker became the seventh youngest player in NBA history to 10,000 career points on 12/29/21 vs. OKC
    G 3 CHRIS PAUL 6-1 175
    LAST GAME: Totaled 9 points and a team-high 7 assists Saturday against Miami
    SEASON VS. TOR: Averaged 15.5 points, 8.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 2 games
  • Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team, joined by Charles Barkley, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash
    and Shaquille O’Neal as Suns players all-time selected to the team
    INJURIES/ROSTER NOTES
    Justin Jackson is not with team
    Cam Johnson (left ankle sprain) is out
    Frank Kaminsky (right knee stress reaction) is out; missed last 26 games
    Abdel Nader (right knee injury management is out); missed last 24 games
    Dario Šarić (right ACL rehab) is out; tore ACL in Game 1 of 2021 NBA Finals
    Landry Shamet (return to competition reconditioning) is probable; missed last 3 games
    Ish Wainright is in Health & Safety Protocols

  • DEVIN BOOKER scored a team-high 26 points Saturday against the Heat to go along with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals (matches
    season high, which he’s now done 10 times). Booker shot a perfect 13-for-13 from the free throw line, just the fifth time in his career
    he’s shot 100 percent from the charity stripe with a minimum of 13 free throw attempts.
  • After shooting 13-for-13 from the charity stripe on Saturday, DEVIN BOOKER moved into sole possession of third place on the Suns’
    all-time free throw percentage list at 87.1 percent. Booker currently sits just ahead of Eddie Johnson (87.0 FT%) and trails only Steve
    Nash (90.7 FT%) and Kyle Macy (88.4 FT%).
  • CAM JOHNSON totaled 15 points Saturday to go along with 5 rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench. Johnson extended his careerlong streak to 19-straight games scoring 10+ points tonight. Additionally, with his second three, it marked his 22nd consecutive
    game with at least two three-point field goals, which is the longest streak in the NBA this season and a franchise record. After
    averaging 8.5 points on 40.5 FG% (38.7 3FG%) and 1.8 three-point field goals through the first 20 games of the season, Johnson is
    averaging 15.6 points on 49.8 FG% (47.4 3FG%) and 3.3 three-pointers over the last 19.
  • After missing the last six games, DEANDRE AYTON returned to the starting lineup tonight, adding 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting and a team-high 8 rebounds, the 20th time this season he’s led the Suns in rebounding.
  • With the loss Saturday, the Suns moved to 30-9 on the season, the team’s second-best start to a season through the first 39 games in franchise history trailing only the 2006-07, 2004-05, 1994-95, 1992-93 and 1980-81 seasons Suns, who all opened up the season 31-8.
    WINNING STREAK
  • The Suns won 18 consecutive games after starting the season 1-3 this season, the team’s longest winning streak in franchise history.

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