DeMar DeRozan scored 37 points (18 in the third quarter), and the Toronto Raptors beat the Phoenix Suns 115-109.
The Raptors took control with a 17-4 run bridging the second and third quarters and led by as many as 15.
The Suns got within 111-109 on Troy Daniels’ 16-foot jumper with 23 seconds to play, but DeRozan answered with 2 free throws, and the Suns got no closer.
During clutch time, the Raptors outscored the Suns 13-8. DeRozan (No. 2 in clutch wins added, 2017-18) scored 5 of the Raptors’ 13 on 1 for 5 shooting and 3 for 3 at the line.
Serge Ibaka had 21 points and 13 rebounds on 8 for 11 shooting, and Jonas Valančiūnas added 20 points (10 in the first quarter) and 11 rebounds. The Raptors had 3 20-point scorers.
For the Suns, Daniels scored 32 points on 11 for 16 shooting off the bench. Tyler Ulis had 16 points and 8 assists on 6 for 8 shooting.
The Suns forced 7 turnovers, about 7 fewer than usual for this many possessions. They outscored the Raptors 55-16 off the bench. The Raptors’ starters outscored the Suns 46-31 in 17 minutes together. T.J. Warren fouled out.