Overview
- Collin Murray-Boyles started at center in his third NBA game and posted 13 points and two assists in 25 minutes before a brief benching after four fouls.
- Houston dominated the glass 53-22 and held a 66-36 edge in points in the paint, exposing Toronto's lack of size without its regular center.
- Alperen Sengun nearly recorded a triple-double with 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, and Kevin Durant scored 31 points for the Rockets.
- Head coach Darko Rajakovic said the Raptors were "punked on the glass" and noted that Poeltl's absence forced smaller lineups and altered second-unit roles.
- Murray-Boyles described the matchup as a physical wake-up call, highlighting the strength of Houston's bigs and the need for more collective rebounding grit.