Raptors improve record to 8-1

PHOENIX (AP) — The Toronto Raptors weren’t at their best, but good enough to pull away from the Phoenix Suns for another victory in the best start to a season in the Canadian franchise’s history.

Kawhi Leonard scored 19 points and the Raptors used a 14-2 fourth-quarter run to finally put away the pesky Phoenix Suns 107-98 on Friday night.

Jonas Valanciunas added 16 points and Serge Ibaka 14 for the Raptors, who improved to 8-1,

the best nine-game start in franchise history. Kyle Lowry had 11 points and 12 assists.

“It is a 48-minute game and I think we are playing pretty good basketball for about 28 minutes right now,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. “We got to stretch that. I don’t think we will ever get to 48 minutes, but we want to get in the 40s probably after the new year.”

Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, had 17 points and 18 rebounds for the Suns, losers of seven in a row since winning

their season opener. Isaiah Canaan scored 19 and Devin Booker 18 for Phoenix. Booker returned after missing three games with a strained hamstring.

Phoenix trailed by only four early in the fourth quarter before Toronto’s decisive 14-2 surge.

“Well, our effort was better,” Suns first-year coach Igor Kokoskov said. “Having Book and Canaan back, I mean that helps a lot. We have to sustain playing a physical, strong team like Toronto.”