Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Raptors broke their two-game losing streak, winning at home against the Houston Rockets tonight 122-111. Houston has now dropped 10 consecutive games.
The Raptors were able to carry a second quarter lead and maintain it through to the end of the game. The Rockets were able to pull within two possessions with 2:59 showing on the clock in the fourth quarter but ultimately lost momentum in the closing minutes.
Toronto finished the game with better numbers in every major statistical category other than total turnovers and points in the paint — the Rockets had 44 from the paint while the Raptors had 40.
Kyle Lowry finished the game with a triple-double — 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Norman Powell led Toronto in points with 30. Victor Oladipo was a bright spot in Houston’s loss, leading the Rockets with 27 points.
The Raptors started the game exchanging leads with Houston. The Rockets finished the first quarter up by one, 31-30. Toronto quickly regained the lead within 90 seconds of the start of the second frame and maintained their early command of the game through to halftime — when the Raptors led 67-59.
Toronto extended their lead to 15 points in the third quarter, leading 95-80 heading into the fourth.
The Raptors were without Pascal Siakam, coach Nick Nurse and five other assistant coaches who were out due to health and safety protocols, so Toronto’s assistant coach Sergio Scariolo was the acting head coach tonight. There is no definite timeline on when they will be allowed to return to the bench or the court.
Jalen Harris (finger) was also on the Raptors injury report. Christian Wood (ankle) and Dante Exum were both out for the Rockets.
The Raptors will host the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night at 7:00PM EST.
