Raptors Beat Rockets in Plausible Possible NBA Final Matchup

The Western Conference leading Houston Rockets headed north of the border and took on the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors on March 9th. Houston was riding a 17 game winning streak while the Raptors were a league best 27-5 at home.

The game looked like a great matchup, and it did not disappoint. Kyle Lowry scored 30 and DeMar DeRozan added 23 as the Raptors beat the Rockets 108-105. James Harden scored 40 points to lead Houston, and the Rockets’ point guard added to his MVP credentials with such a performance against an excellent opponent. Harden leads the league in scoring with 31.1 points per game.

The Raptors got off to a sizzling start, leading 32-16 after one quarter. But the Rockets aren’t the leaders in the formidable for nothing and tied it 102-102 on a Harden three pointer with 2:10 left in the game. DeRozan then gave Toronto the lead for good with a basket with 1:49 left.

These two teams could certainly meet again in the NBA finals, although of course Golden State, Cleveland, Boston or someone else will have something to say about that. If it does happen, the Raptors swept this season’s two regular season games, winning at Houston 129-113 back on November 14th.