RAPTORS BOX OUT SUNS

October 6, 2010

Opening their exhibition play at Rogers Arena Wednesday night, the Toronto Raptors destroyed BC-born Steve Nash and his Phoenix Suns in a decisive 129-78 victory.

Playing their second consecutive preseason game, the Suns were out-hustled on the court that still sports the aqua hue of happier days in Vancouver for basketball fans. Under any other circumstances Nash, the local hoops hero, would have had the entire crowd behind him - tonight however, the opponents stole some of his hometown advantage.

The packed house enthusiastically supported his opponents - Canada’s lone NBA team. Tonight was a rare occasion when the Vancouver venue was filled with hearty, pro-Toronto cheers.

Former Raptor Hedo Turkoqlu, facing off against his former team for the first time since joining the Suns in the off-season, drew jeers and boos from the crowd every time he touched the ball. Undaunted he retaliated with the Suns' first basket after the Raptors drew first blood.

After Toronto failed to sink multiple baskets or control the rebounds, Nash lobbed a pass, setting Jason Richardson up for an easy basket that earned huge applause. Always a fan favourite, watching Nash at work - despite being kept to nine points in just over two quarters - was still a highlight for fans.

The game remained close in the first quarter with the teams trading baskets and the mixed crowd cheering for both. Toronto pulled ahead to close out the opening frame at 24-18 and never looked back.

At the reins of the Raptors pack is another hometown connection. Head coach Jay Triano played basketball for SFU and was one of the most prolific players to wear the Clan jersey. He coached the school's basketball team before heading to the NBA.

Most recently coaching the US men’s team to gold this summer at the FIBA World Championships, Triano looks to lead the Raptors forward, emerging from the Chris Bosh-era and fostering new talent to lead the team.

Raptors forward Linas Kleiza led all players tonight with 20 points, five rebounds and two steals. DeMar DeRozan added 16, while Joey Dorsey contributed 13 points and tallied a team-high 10 rebounds.

Jared Dudley netted 10 points for the Phoenix squad while Turkoglu scored six and led the Suns with eight rebounds. Veteran Grant Hill and Toronto's Reggie Evans were tossed from the game in the third after a scuffle.

By the time the game broke for half time, the Raptors were ahead 55-39. It was clear entering the second half that Toronto was showing no signs of easing up. Dorsey connected with a fierce, one-handed dunk as the minutes wound down in the final quarter, keeping fans entertained until the game-ending buzzer.

With a dominating performance, the Raptors entertained the sold out crowd, managing to take the attention away from Nash and giving Vancouver the thrilling live basketball action that they came for.