Rockets lose to Raptors, 129-113

Posted: November 14, 2017 -- 10:44 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets' defense was not up its usual 2017-'18 standards Tuesday night; and, the Toronto Raptors took advantage with a 129-113 victory in front of a sold out crowd. The 129 points are a season-high for the Raptors and an opponents' season-high for the Rockets. Tonight's loss snaps the Rockets' six-game winning streak.

"We struggled. We struggled tonight," Mike D'Antoni said after the game. There are all kinds of reasons we can go into: guys were trying; we weren't sharp; it was ugly; there too many fouls; it was choppy; no one could get a rhythm.

"Now, they played well. You've got to give them credit for what they did. The shot the ball really well.

"We just didn't have enough energy to overcome a lot of obstacles out there."

The Rockets (11-4) led by as much as 8 points three times in the first quarter; however, the Raptors (8-5) closed the quarter with a 6-0 spurt to trim the Rockets' lead to just two points (33-31) after the first 12 minutes.

The first quarter featured 9 fouls. The second quarter featured many more fouls: 20 to be exact.

Eleven fouls on the Rockets; 9 fouls on the Raptors.

The Raptors made 16 of 20 free throws in the second quarter and shot 72.2% (13 for 18 from the floor) on the way to 45 points in the period and a whopping 76 points in the first half.

Houston trailed 76-64 at halftime

The Rockets' deficit grew 20 points (94-74) in the third quarter); but, Harden started a 14-3 run by converting a 4-point play.

At the end of three quarters, the Rockets pulled within 9 points (103-94).

Toronto's CJ Miles sank a three-point bucket to begin the scoring in the fourth period; but, the Rockets answered with a 9-2 spurt (over 4 minutes and 29 seconds) to inch within five points (108-103) with 7:23 remaining in the game.

However, the Raptors scored the next 8 points to lead by 13. The Rockets did not closer than 9 points the rest of the game.

"During the third and fourth quarter, we tried to push back," James Harden said after the game. We just didn't have enough. But, tough loss. But, like I said, we're used to bouncing back."

Harden finished the game with a game-high 38 points as well as 6 rebounds and 11 assists. However, he did commit 9 turnovers. Harden did shoot a perfect 19 for 19 from the foul line to set a new Rockets' franchise record for the most free throws attempted without a miss.

Eric Gordon had an off-shooting night. Gordon scored 12 points on 3 for 12 field goal shooting including 0 for 7 from three-point range. Prior to tonight's game, Gordon had not scored fewer than 17 points in a game this season.

Clint Capela had 11 points and 11 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season. Capela didn't record his ninth double-double last season until his 47th game played in 2016-'17 (March 1st).

Toronto outshot the Rockets 51.9% to 41.8% from the floor. Houston is 3-4 this season when shooting below 45.0% this season after going 16-21 last season.

The Rockets' next game is at the Phoenix Suns this Thursday, November 16, at 9:30 p.m.

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