Raptors outsmart Rockets to snap their 17-game winning streak

World
Europe

A red-hot Kyle Lowry led the pack with 30 points as the Toronto Raptors edged past the Houston Rockets 108-105, ending the Rockets' 17-game winning streak.

Harden spearheaded Houston’s charge with 40 points. DeMar DeRozan garnered 23 for Toronto while Valanciunas coupled 14 points with 10 rebounds. Gordon and Chris Paul slammed 14 each for Houston but shot a combined 10 for 27.

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry and Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan dive for a loose ball as Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker starts his lunge for the loose ball. /VCG Photo

Much to the delight of a raucous home crowd, the Raptors got off to a blazing start with a 16-point lead after the first quarter. The second half of the game saw a series of Rockets runs as they closed in the deficit to a manageable margin before Toronto clawed their way back into the game.

After Harden missed a corner three that would have sliced the deficit to five early in the third quarter, Serge Ibaka responded with a three-pointer, leading to a 64-53 Toronto lead.

Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors high fives DeMar DeRozan and Pascal Siakam during the second half of the NBA game against the Houston Rockets. /VCG Photo

With just over a minute left in the third quarter, Joe Johnson let an opportunity to have an open three go from the top of the key with the Rockets rallying behind at 78-73.

Meanwhile, DeRozan drilled his three-point attempt and with the deficit at four early in the fourth, Gordon committed a turnover that C.J. Miles happily converted into another three-pointer.

Then the Harden three-pointer helped Houston finally pull even but that was short-lived as the Raptors established a double-digit lead in a flash. Lowry made his first five shots while Valanciunas bludgeoned his way to points in the paint.