TORONTO — The Houston Rockets emerged victorious against the Toronto Raptors, clinching a hard-fought win with a score of 114-110 at Scotiabank Arena on December 22, 2024. The victory marked the Rockets' first win over the Raptors in Toronto since December 5, 2019, snapping what had become a familiar struggle for this talented Houston squad.
Dillon Brooks was the standout for the Rockets, scoring 27 points, contributing significantly to the win alongside Jalen Green, who added 22 points. The win was particularly satisfying for Brooks, who made the most of his only scheduled trip to Toronto this season.
The Raptors initially looked promising, racing to a 16-point lead early on. Rookie Ja'Kobe Walter's performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 27 points, including the team's first 14. Despite his standout showing, Walter fouled out with just over two minutes remaining, much to the chagrin of the home crowd who gave him standing applause as he left the floor.
While the Raptors had been sluggish to start the season, this matchup showcased their potential as they led 35-24 after the first quarter. Yet, inconsistency plagued them down the stretch. They allowed the Rockets to regroup and capitalize on turnovers, showcasing Houston's formidable defensive adjustments.
After trailing early, the Rockets made significant efforts to tighten their defenses, particularly evident during the fourth quarter. They limited the Raptors to shooting only 5 of 15 from the field, which allowed Houston to jump out to an 11-point lead late in the game. This was particularly pivotal after initially struggling with their turnover count, ending the night with 21 — the most they’ve had all season.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka made some strategic changes, including utilizing smaller lineups with Cam Whitmore and Jae’Sean Tate to regain momentum after trailing. These adjustments proved effective, igniting the team's much-needed energy. At one point, Sengun showed his playmaking ability with a stunning alley-oop assist to Whitmore, marking the team’s biggest lead at 99-91 with just under seven minutes left.
The Raptors attempted to claw back, riding the tailwind of Walter's aggressive play as well as contributions from other rookie Jamal Shead, who recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 assists. Unfortunately for the Raptors, their leading figures failed to perform as expected. Scottie Barnes, after returning from injury, only managed six points on 2-of-15 shooting. Fred VanVleet, once the cornerstone of the Raptors' success, faced his own struggles, finishing with just 2 points on 1-of-10 shooting.
Over the closing minutes, the Raptors fought hard for possession, positioning themselves within reach of tying or winning the game. Nonetheless, undue turnovers cost them dearly. With just 22 seconds left, they had the chance to level the score but allowed Kelly Olynyk to fumble the ball out of bounds, killing the potential for another offensive set.
Brooks was pivotal down the stretch, demonstrating not only scoring ability but effective free throw shooting, making 13 of 14 attempts. With the Rockets clinging precariously to their lead, his calmness under pressure was instrumental. Meanwhile, the Raptors were left wondering how, once again, their promising lead evaporated.
This defeat marked the Raptors' seventh straight loss, extending their woeful season record to 7-22, and raising concerns among the fanbase and management alike. The constant inconsistency of their key players—especially Barnes and VanVleet—has added to growing frustrations.
Next up, the Rockets look to build on their winning momentum as they face the Charlotte Hornets on the road. The Raptors, on the other hand, will head to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks, hoping to snap their losing streak before the Christmas break.
This matchup was more than just another regular season game; it was a showcase of young talent and potential, yet it also highlighted the growing pains experienced by the Raptors. Fans are left with the question: can they turn it around?
