Tag: Houston Rockets

by Richard Miller (US)

Raptors Edge Out Rockets 107-104, Secure Fourth Consecutive Home Win Against Houston

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors clinched a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets with a 107-104 scoreline on Friday night, marking their fourth consecutive home win against Houston. Immanuel Quickley led the scoring for the Raptors with 25 points, while RJ Barrett contributed 21 points, helping Toronto secure back-to-back wins after a challenging stretch.

Jakob Poeltl delivered a double-double performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Scottie Barnes added another double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double with eight assists, showcasing his playmaking skills that impressed Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic.

Despite building a 22-point lead, Toronto saw their advantage dwindle to a single point in the final 30 seconds, thanks to a 3-pointer by Dillon Brooks. Barrett’s clutch free throws extended the Raptors’ lead, and missed 3-point attempts by Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green in the final moments sealed the Rockets’ fate.

Brooks was instrumental for Houston in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 20 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Cam Whitmore’s 17 points were crucial for the Rockets before he exited the game due to a sprained right ankle. The loss extended Houston’s road struggles, dropping their fourth consecutive game away from home.

The game also featured a touching moment for former Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, who was honored with a video tribute during the game’s first timeout, acknowledging his contributions to the team, including the 2019 NBA title.

New Raptors additions Ochai Agbaji and Kelly Olynyk, acquired in a recent trade with Utah, were active but did not see game time. The Rockets, having recently defeated Toronto at home, failed to carry over their performance, according to coach Ime Udoka.

The Raptors’ early intensity, highlighted by capitalizing on Rockets turnovers, set the tone for the game, although Houston’s second-quarter rally briefly shifted momentum. Toronto’s ability to recover and maintain the lead going into the fourth quarter was crucial for their victory.

Both teams are set to continue their campaigns on Saturday, with the Rockets visiting Atlanta and the Raptors hosting Cleveland, as they aim to build on their performances and navigate through the remainder of the season.

by Abhishek Shukla

Edwards Ignites Wolves to Victory Over Rockets

MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards erupted for 22 of his 32 points in a game-changing third quarter, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a convincing 111-90 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. The victory, which snapped a close contest wide open after halftime, highlighted Edwards’ scoring prowess and secured a much-needed boost for the Timberwolves, ending their game on a high note.

Rudy Gobert complemented Edwards’ offensive explosion with a double-double, amassing 17 points and 13 rebounds, alongside contributing to Minnesota’s season high-tying 11 blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns, recently named to his fourth All-Star game, added 14 points and 10 rebounds, further solidifying the Timberwolves’ dominance in the paint.

The first half saw Edwards struggling with his shot, managing just six points on 1 of 8 shooting. However, the third quarter witnessed a remarkable turnaround as Edwards shot an impressive 9 for 12 from the field, including 4 for 5 from beyond the arc, single-handedly outscoring the Rockets 22-20 in the period. Gobert praised Edwards’ aggressive play, emphasizing how attacking the rim opened up his perimeter shooting.

The Timberwolves’ win was not just a testament to their on-court performance but also a celebratory moment for Coach Chris Finch, who earned the honor to lead the Western Conference in the upcoming All-Star game. The team acknowledged Finch’s leadership by showering him with cold water in a post-game locker room celebration, a moment Finch described as reflective of their collective effort this season.

On the other side, the Rockets struggled offensively, with Alperen Sengun leading the team with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Cam Whitmore made a notable contribution with 14 points in the second half, but the team’s overall shooting efficiency was lacking, as evidenced by their 35.2% shooting from the field. Jalen Green’s off night, marked by a 3 of 15 shooting performance, underscored Houston’s offensive woes.

The Timberwolves entered the game boasting the NBA’s best defensive record, a fact that resonated throughout the match as they stifled Houston’s attempts to establish a rhythm. Despite committing nine turnovers in the second quarter, Minnesota regrouped and, led by Edwards, embarked on a decisive 16-2 run in the third quarter to seize control of the game.

As both teams look ahead, the Rockets are set to face Indiana on Tuesday night, while the Timberwolves will begin a five-game road trip starting in Chicago, also on Tuesday. This win not only enhances Minnesota’s standing but also positions Coach Finch and his players for continued success as they navigate the remainder of the season.