The Toronto Raptors defeated the Houston Rockets, 122-111, at Amalie Arena on Friday evening.

The Raptors (17-17) endured a slow start but recovered just in time to defeat the Rockets (11-20), as Houston grabbed the lead following the first quarter (31-30) only to see Toronto turn things around following a dominant second quarter (37-28). The Raptors pulled away even further with a 28-21 score in the third quarter and that allowed them to cruise their way in the final 12 minutes of action. The Rockets won the final quarter by a 31-27 score, but it was too late for them. Toronto ended winning rather comfortably and stopped their two-game losing skid, while the Rockets continue to underperform and have now lost their last 10 games in a row. Toronto shot 44.9 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range, while the Rockets shot 42.9 percent from the field and 34 percent from deep.

Norman Powell carried the Raptors offensively with 30 points (10-15 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 6-6 FT) and three rebounds, while Kyle Lowry finished with a triple-double of 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Fred VanVleet notched 25 points, four assists, four rebounds and three steals. OG Anunoby contributed 11 points and five assists, while DeAndre Bembry chipped in with 13 points off the bench.

Victor Oladipo contributed 27 points to lead the Rockets offensively, but his efforts were not enough. John Wall had 21 points and 12 assists, while P.J. Tucker and Danuel House both finished with matching 11-point tallies -- Tucker also had seven boards and two dimes, while House pulled down six rebounds. Eric Gordon provided offense off the bench and ended the game with 17 points. Jae'Sean Tate finished with eight points too.