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