Quick Reaction: Raptors 115, Rockets 102

One day, Pascal Siakam is going to play 30 minutes, not score, and be the most impactful player on the court. I can feel it. He was really good defensively in this one, and even some tough luck in close doesn’t take away from that. If I had his energy, I wouldn’t need coffee.

So, whatever the specifics of the plan for his body, it appears to be working. This is a handful of games in a row now where he’s not only looked good on the offensive end, but spry and engaged being a ball-hawk on defense. His on-ball work still isn’t all the way back, but poking balls free and being pesky is a huge part of his game. Cutting, keeping the ball moving, and knocking down shots, too? This was the dream version of Carroll.

Wasn’t particularly effective on the defensive end early on but found a comfort zone and a groove as the Rockets settled four-around-one, then hammered them on the glass at both ends. This was Valanciunas playing his role to its fullest, including a couple of early post touches that got him going. His passing continues to improve.

I’m running out of ways to talk about Lowry’s impact outside of scoring. Even on a night he scored moderately well, it was the passing and the defense and the floor leadership that jumped out. He has to be the only point guard in the league you can switch one-through-five, and probably the only player ever given the “bulldog” tag who would actually fight a bulldog for a loose ball. KLOE.

His shot wasn’t falling early, so he shifted into playmaker mode. His shot got falling, and he stayed in playmaker mode. Scoring 24 on 19 shots is great, regardless. When they come with nine assists and defenses are visibly unsure how to play your first step with shooters shooting well around you, you’re on the top of your offensive game.

For anyone who still thinks Patterson isn’t contributing when he’s not hitting shots, this is the kind of stuff he is doing regularly. Like, on every play. His shooting is just gravy when he’s defending like this, lifting the overall team defense, AND grabbing four steals with his subtle hyper-activity.

Great help from Patterson the entire possession. pic.twitter.com/O0pWhFtJGX

— Ryan (@ry_nguyen) November 24, 2016

Came in and immediately showed the aggression we’ve come to expect, helping give the second unit some much-needed punch. Remained very active in transition defense (I had him for two steals, not one, and I am the official scorer of my own quick reaction), although there was some slippage in the half-court. Had three dunks, which is awesome.

This was on its way to being one of his worst showings before he found a cutting Ross with a great pass, then promptly turned away a shot at the other end. Two plays doesn’t make a game, but it was nice to see him settle in a bit. Still not a great showing overall.

A second consecutive game that Joseph looked more like what we saw last year. That is beyond encouraging – it’s a huge weight off for those hoping Lowry’s minutes come down in the coming weeks, too. Our handsome native son even hit triples in triplicate. Please be back for good.

Had a clear edict to get Lowry and DeRozan a bit more rest, extending their normal rest periods in the first and second halves. The result was 36 minutes for each, a reasonable number in a close-ish win. Really surprised Norman Powell didn’t see any time, particularly with the transition game proving such an advantage and him being a natural option for Harden, but I guess he remains “break glass in case of emergency,” and there was no emergency here.