The Toronto Raptors hang on to beat the Houston Rockets 107-104.
The Rockets were missing former Raptor Fred VanVleet who was out with an adductor injury.
However, VanVleet was still present for the game and got an ovation. The Raptors also had a touching video honoring VanVleet.
VanVleet had a front row seat for this one as Toronto got off to a great start. Toronto controlled the tempo of this game for three quarter and it looked like they were going to run away with a blowout win.
But then the Rockets responded with a big fourth quarter and got the lead down to 1. RJ Barrett then hit two clutch free throws to give Toronto a three-point lead later. Then Jeff Green had a chance to tie it for the Rockets at the end of regulation but missed the three.
The Raptors survived a scare as they notch their second straight win.
Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett an Jakob Poeltl did the heavy lifting for Toronto in this win.
Quickley had 25 points and was a +29. Barrett scored 21 points, had 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Also, Poeltl had 16 points, 13 rebounds and 6 blocks. A year ago today the Raptors traded for Poeltl.
Scottie Barnes struggled from the field once again, but he did a great job impacting the game in other ways. Barnes had 13 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 blocks
The Raptors went with four bench players for this game as Bruce Brown Jr. led the second unit with 11 points.
As for the newcomers Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji they were available to play for this game but did not see any action. They will have to wait for Saturday to make their official debuts.
Next on tap
The Raptors will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back. This game will be in Toronto so at least the Raptors will not have to travel.
However, the Cavaliers come to Toronto as the hottest team in basketball. They are 16-1 in their last 17 games.
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