Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first half of preseason NBA basketball action in Toronto, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.
The Toronto Raptors suffered their fourth consecutive defeat as Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets dominated at Scotiabank Arena. Houston secured a 2-2 record with back-to-back wins, powered by a strong performance from Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Durant led the Rockets with 31 points, adding five rebounds and an assist. Smith Jr. contributed 25 points, five boards, and five assists, while Sengun nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds.
On the Raptors’ side, Scottie Barnes carried the scoring load with 31 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Brandon Ingram added 29 points, four assists, and two rebounds, but Toronto couldn’t stop Houston’s size and depth.
Poeltl’s Absence Felt Deeply
Toronto faced a major setback before tip-off. Starting centre Jakob Poeltl was ruled out due to lower back stiffness. His absence allowed Houston’s big men to dominate inside. Steven Adams and Sengun exploited the paint, helping Houston outscore the Raptors 66-36 near the basket.
The Raptors also missed Poeltl’s presence on the bench. Houston’s depth showed as the Rockets’ reserves scored 37 points compared to Toronto’s 23. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles got his first NBA start in just his third career game. The rookie managed 13 points and two assists in 25 minutes, a bright spot in an otherwise tough night.
Size Advantage Proves Critical
Houston’s size was a game-changer. At times, five Rockets players stood over 6-foot-10, taller than Toronto’s tallest player, Sandro Mamukelashvili, who is 6-foot-9. Smith (6-11), Durant (6-10), Sengun (6-11), Adams (6-11), and Clint Capela (6-10) controlled the boards. The Rockets dominated rebounds 53-22, turning their height into a decisive edge.
Turning Point of the Game
The key moment came early in the third quarter. Durant’s driving layup at 4:16 ignited a 16-6 Houston run, setting the tone for the rest of the half. Toronto struggled to respond, unable to match the Rockets’ efficiency inside the paint.
Raptors Show Sharp Shooting, But Fall Short
Toronto had some positives despite the loss. The team shot 52.5% from three-point range, making 21 of 40 attempts. However, their perimeter shooting couldn’t offset Houston’s dominance inside and on the boards.
Game Adjustments and Fans
The game’s start time was moved up by an hour so fans could watch the Toronto Blue Jays face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the World Series. Fans at Scotiabank Arena were able to follow the baseball action on in-arena screens after the Raptors game ended.
Looking Ahead
Houston will look to build on this momentum with back-to-back wins boosting team confidence. For Toronto, the loss raises questions about depth, interior defense, and how the team will adjust without Poeltl. With four straight losses, the Raptors face pressure to regroup before their next matchup.
