TOKYO — The Toronto Raptors are on a two-game winning streak.
Playing for the first time since winning the NBA title over Golden State back in June, the Raptors opened the 2019-20 campaign by rallying from 17 points down to beat Houston 134-129 in an exhibition shootout in Tokyo.
Pascal Siakam was in “midseason form,” according to head coach Nick Nurse and scored 24 points, along with 11 rebounds, in 26 minutes. Serge Ibaka added 18, Fred VanVleet 16 and Canadian Chris Boucher was strong off of the bench with 12 points and seven rebounds.
MVP runner-up James Harden was brilliant for the Rockets, starting 9-for-11 from the field for 27 points in the first half, before finishing with 34 in 27 minutes. Russell Westbrook made his Houston debut and was solid in flashes, but also rusty.
Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni was impressed by Westbrook though, considering he’d been off for months and has only had about five practice sessions with his new teammates. Westbrook had five turnovers and shot just 1-for-6 on three-point attempts, but also showcased his speed and tenacity throughout.
The teams will meet again on Thursday to complete the NBA’s first games here in 16 years.
Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol did not play for the Raptors, who will also host Chicago on Sunday and then finish the pre-season in Brooklyn before opening at home against the New Orleans Pelicans and star rookie Zion Williamson.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2019
