Raptors respond to Nurses criticism with clutch win

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Before launching any type of analysis, congratulations to the great Jack Armstrong. He’s now been on Raptors broadcasts for 25 years with all sorts of hilarious memories and catchphrases along the way. Jack received a plaque from his first box score and a terrific second quarter tribute video, followed by a well-deserved standing ovation.

On the game. The Raptors managed to avoid doing something they hadn’t seen since 2005 by losing six straight games at home. Following the defensive embarrassment against Memphis the day before, Nick Nurse revealed he had a 20-minute video session with the team and was the only one talking. That’s a light-hearted way of saying he probably tore everyone up.

To the players’ credit, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr. and Christian Koloko all acknowledged what Nurse was saying. There was no energy, urgency or intensity on Thursday. Yes, the Suns were shorthanded, missing an elite scorer in Devin Booker. Either way, the Raptors needed to show a pulse after what happened 24 hours prior.

Setting the tone with defense

Phoenix entered that game with the fourth-lowest turnovers per game in the NBA at 13. They eclipsed that before halftime and nearly doubled their average with 25. On first possession, Scottie Barnes started defending Chris Paul, then moved on to DeAndre Ayton (a 12-inch, 75-pound difference between those two players, illustrating his versatility). Scottie ended up blocking Aytons’ shot. From there, the Raptors were constantly getting deflections and forcing errors from the Suns.

There were plenty of other examples. The nurse mentioned after the game that an intense video session is not the easiest thing in the world to do as there can also be a negative reaction. However, the message was well received.

Gary loves playing the Suns

The last time GTJ saw Phoenix, he dropped 42 points to them in March, which was just two points away from matching his career high. Pascal Siakam kept the Raptors ahead in the first half, but tough shooting from Trent helped the Raptors through some tough possessions in the third quarter. Gary was also one of the catalysts on the defense, with three interceptions and simply wreaking havoc for Phoenix on both sides. You don’t see Trent getting many poster-like dunks. He earned the right to watch a little later (and of course a tech followed).

Gary tied a season high with 35 points. It’s now two of his best five outings against the Suns. He started this game having come off the bench in his last three games.

Trent on staying ready no matter what role: When I first came to the league I was in a suit, I wasn’t even in a jersey. There was a time when I wasn’t playing and just hoping to get on the bench, I gotta stay ready no matter what or you might be out of this league quick pic.twitter.com/Fapt3jriB5

Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 31, 2022 Clutch Two Three

That game was on the line with three minutes left, tied at 101. Scottie decided to take matters into his own hands with the shot clock for a three on Ayton.

A minute later, Koloko was left in the corner with 12 seconds on the clock. Ayton chose to help out on Trents drive, and why wouldn’t he? Koloko has never made a three in his short NBA career.

So far.

It shocked almost everyone and turned out to be the dagger. Before that, Koloko was 0-7 out of three. This first trey of the tower will be remembered.

The Raptors continued to smother Phoenix to close out this game as the Suns failed to score a field goal for the final 4:41.

Naturally, the question after the game was Kolokos’ thought process to take that shot.

Yeah, that’s how we drafted it, Nurse joked.

Nurse also mentioned that this is in the works, which is true because Koloko even tried three times in the summer league.

Final dedication

I would be remiss not to mention Jeff Dowtin Jrs short but hard-hitting four-minute pass to start the fourth quarter. In a 17-second streak, his cut to the basket set up a dunk for Thaddeus Young and a steal for a layup of his own lap put the Raptors ahead one-to-five. Dowtin was one of the only bright spots against the Grizzlies, his defense being praised by both Nurse and Anunoby. More moments like this will help Dowtin get cracks at regular minutes.

What’s next: The Raptors open 2023 in Indiana on Monday, then return to Toronto for a six-game homestand.

Happy New Year everyone !

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