Rockets Rally from 14-Point Deficit to Defeat Raptors 114-110
The Houston Rockets overcame a sluggish start and a 14-point first-quarter deficit to earn a hard-fought 114-110 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night, extending Toronto’s losing streak to seven games.
Key Performers
Dillon Brooks led Houston with 27 points, while Jalen Green added 22. Alperen Sengun contributed a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Jabari Smith Jr. narrowly missed a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds. Cam Whitmore (11 points) and Amen Thompson (10 points) rounded out the Rockets’ balanced scoring attack.
Ja’Kobe Walter led the Raptors with a career-high 27 points, 14 of which came in the first quarter before fouling out late in the game. Chris Boucher and Ochai Agbaji each added 15 points, while Gradey Dick chipped in 14. Despite their efforts, the Raptors struggled to maintain their early momentum.
Game Flow
- First Half Dominance for Toronto:
Toronto started strong, building a 14-point lead in the first quarter, fueled by Walter’s hot shooting. They capitalized on Houston’s nine turnovers in the quarter, which led to 17 points. Toronto extended their lead to 16 early in the second quarter before Houston surged back to trim the halftime deficit to 57-51. - Houston Takes Control:
The Rockets opened the second half with a 10-3 run, briefly taking the lead. The teams exchanged advantages through the third quarter, but Houston ended the period ahead 84-83 after Amen Thompson converted a three-point play and Dillon Brooks added a layup. - Fourth Quarter Battle:
The Rockets started the final period strong, going on an 8-3 run. Walter’s five quick points brought the Raptors within one, but Houston responded with a decisive 9-0 burst to secure a 10-point lead with under six minutes remaining. Agbaji’s late dunk trimmed the deficit to three with 22.7 seconds left, but Toronto couldn’t capitalize on a late turnover by Houston, as they also turned the ball over in the closing seconds.
Stat Highlights
- Houston’s Efficiency:
The Rockets shot 44.9% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 25% (7 of 28). However, they excelled at the free-throw line, converting 27 of 33 attempts, compared to Toronto’s 9 of 13. - Toronto’s Shooting Advantage:
The Raptors shot 45.7% overall and an impressive 39.5% from three-point range (17 of 43) but were outscored significantly at the free-throw line and in the paint (62-50).
Injury Notes
- Raptors: RJ Barrett (illness) and Jakob Poeltl (groin) were unavailable.
- Rockets: Tari Eason (leg) did not play.
The Rockets’ ability to regroup after a turnover-laden first quarter and maintain composure in a close finish underscores their growth as a team. Meanwhile, Toronto’s struggles continue, as they search for solutions to halt their seven-game skid.
