Every now and then a defence-optional, old-time shootout is good for the basketball soul.
After an exhausting and full NBA trade deadline day, while fans were still processing the myriad transactions, the Raptors and Houston Rockets provided something fun as a timely distraction.
It might have sent devotees of excellent and intense NBA defence into spasms but Toronto’s 139-120 victory was entertaining and gave the Raptors an eight-game winning streak.
Gary Trent Jr. and Pascal Siakam, carrying the offensive load with Fred VanVleet in streetclothes nursing a sore left groin, provided most of the highlights, combining for 72 points.