Rockets Fall To Raptors, Unable To Sustain Hot Start
HOUSTON — Eric Gordon scored a reverse layup with 8 minutes and 10 seconds left in the first quarter. His basket put the Houston Rockets ahead 9-0.
The Rockets were able to jump out to an early lead due to the Toronto Raptors struggling from the field. They missed their first six shot attempts. But once Chris Boucher connected on a triple assisted by Scottie Barnes, the Raptors began to get things going on the offensive end.
Toronto outscored Houston 20-12 to close the first quarter. The momentum the Raptors built late in the first period was enough for the Rockets to fall 117-111 Friday night inside the Toyota Center.
Gordon led the way for Houston with a season-high 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting, five assists and three rebounds.
The game began to slip away for the Rockets during the second quarter. Houston allowed the Raptors to score 35 points on 56 percent shooting. Gary Trent Jr. scored 15 of his 29 points during the quarter. But Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 32 points.
In addition to Gordon, the Rockets had four other players who scored in double-figures. K.J. Martin scored 20 points, six rebounds and three assists in the loss. Alperen Sengun added 21 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. scored 14.
The Rockets trailed the Raptors by 13 points at the start of the fourth quarter. Houston cut their double-digit deficit down to eight with 3:40 left in the period. But Precious Achiuwa scored an And-1 basket to push the Raptors' lead back to 10.
Jalen Green injury update:
Jalen Green missed his third consecutive game due to a calf contusion. Coach Stephen Silas said Saturday's contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder is "an option" when speaking about Green's potential return.
Josh Christopher continues to take advantage of a new opportunity:
Injuries to Green and Kevin Porter Jr. have given Josh Christopher a chance to move up in the rotation. Silas said Christopher had done a great job of taking advantage of the opportunity following practice on Thursday. And against the Raptors, Christopher continued to help the Rockets fill the void.
He finished the night with a season-high 15 points (7-of-8 FG, 1-1 3PT) in 19 minutes off the bench.
Up Next:
The Rockets will close the week on the road to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. They will return to Houston for a two-game home series against the Sacramento Kings on Monday and Wednesday.
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