The Phoenix Suns started a six-game road trip on the right track after surviving the Toronto Raptors last Sunday to capture a 107–102 win, which ended a four-game losing slide.
Leading the Suns in the win was point guard Eric Bledsoe who had a double-double 20 points with 11 assists, also having five rebounds and three blocks.
One of those blocks was a crucial one as it helped them seal the victory with time running out in the fourth quarter.
After Bledsoe missed a free-throw, they had the lead at 105–102, but the Raptors had possession and the chance to tie the game.
Raptors forward Luis Scola had a shot from beyond the arc, but Bledsoe was there to block it and also secured the rebound, hitting the free-throws after getting fouled to set the final score.
"I definitely wanted to get the ball back, not just because I missed the free throw but I also didn't want to gamble. I just wanted to stay solid and when the play came our way, I made it," Bledsoe said, according to the Associated Press.
Another Suns player to score 20 points was forward Mirza Teletović who came off the bench.
Guard Brandon Knight and forward Jon Leuer contributed 16 points each to help Phoenix in the win.
Forward T.J. Warren also had a great performance, recording 15 points, 11 rebounds, one steal, and three blocks off the bench.
Following the win, Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek praised the defense they had against the Suns and was also pleased with the way they handled turnovers, the Associated Press reported.
The win gave the Suns an 8–9 record for the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings, with their record identical with that of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Phoenix will continue the road trip today, Tuesday, when they head to the Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets.
