HOUSTON — In a much-needed victory, the Houston Rockets managed to end their six-game losing streak with a 94-87 win against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Dillon Brooks led the team with 19 points, while teammate Jalen Green contributed 18 points.
The game saw the Raptors ahead by four points early in the final quarter, but the Rockets quickly turned the tide with a 14-2 run, securing a 77-69 advantage with around seven minutes remaining. Shortly after, Houston maintained a four-point lead when Green hit two three-pointers, driving the team’s score to an 86-76 edge with a 9-3 run.
The Rockets faced several challenges in this matchup, as they continued to play without Fred VanVleet, who has been sidelined for five consecutive games due to an ankle issue. Steven Adams was also absent as the team played back-to-back games, and All-Star Alperen Sengun exited early in the first quarter due to back spasms. Jeff Green and Jock Landale stepped up in the absence of Sengun, with Green achieving a season-best of 14 points, while Landale matched that with 11 points and secured a season-high of 10 rebounds.
For the Raptors, Immanuel Quickley was the standout performer, scoring 20 points, but the team suffered its fourth consecutive loss.
In terms of significant moments, Toronto felt the absence of Gradey Dick in the second half. He left the game due to a neck bruise from a collision with Amen Thompson towards the end of the second quarter and did not register any points before his exit, despite averaging 15.6 points per game.
While the Rockets celebrated this win, it highlighted the pressing need for VanVleet to return in order to stabilize their offense and help put them back on track for the season.
One pivotal moment in the game came when Jamison Battle was penalized for a foul on Jeff Green, which was later upgraded to a flagrant 1 after the officials determined that Battle had made illegal contact. This allowed Green to make two free throws, which began Houston’s crucial run to reclaim the lead.
Statistically, the Raptors struggled immensely, making only 8 out of 42 attempts from beyond the arc, a clear indicator of their shooting woes.
Looking ahead, the Raptors will face the 76ers on Tuesday evening, while the Rockets will host the Suns on Wednesday.
