HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets ended their 20-game losing streak on Monday night, as John Wall won his first triple-double in a 117–99 victory over the Toronto Raptors in five years.
Houston’s skid remained the ninth-worst in NBA history and longest after Philadelphia’s record-setting, 28-game losing streak in the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons.
But Wall had 19 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds since 5, 2016, his first triple-double. The Rockets got their first win since 4 February.
Houston also handed the Raptors their ninth straight loss, which now represents the NBA’s longest active streak.
All five Houston starters scored in double figures by midway through the third quarter. J’Sean Tate had 22 points, Sterling Brown 20, Christian Wood 19 and Danuel House Jr. added 12.
Houston closed the third quarter with an 88–86 lead and held the fourth quarter to a 9–1 run.
The Rockets led halftime after a 51-foot 65-60 lead at the buzzer by House, who recovered a well-timed shot from behind the half-court line near the Raptors bench on the sideline. A home shot through the net without hitting the rim or backboard.
Houston received a technical foul for a third straight game, arguing with an official five minutes in the first half, where a rough overcall occurred. Wood picked up his third personal foul less than three minutes into the second quarter and was limited to just eight scorless first-half minutes.
Fred Vanvelt led Toronto with 27 points. Pascal Siam added 21 points, Normal Powell 19 and Kyle Lowery added 17 points.
Brown pitched his first five shots, including three 3s for 13 first-quarter points. He completed 4 out of 10 and 4 out of 7.
The Rappers led 28-27 at the end of the first quarter. In their losing streak, Houston led only three times after the first quarter, including Feb. 26 when they led the Raptors 31–30.
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