Raptors: 3 positive takeaways from dominant win against Rockets

OG Anunoby and the Toronto Raptors were able to break their losing streak in just about the most emphatic way possible, as they followed up two subpar performances against divisional opponents in Philadelphia and Boston with a wire-to-wire victory against the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets might be a young team that is rebuilding this year, but the Raptors completely demolished them in this contest, as some efficient scoring to start the game led to some lockdown defense on the perimeter. Toronto moved to 2-2 in the preseason after taking down Jalen Green and friends.

The Raptors are starting to figure out what this team is going to look like, as several key contributors on both sides of the ball are starting to emerge. This lineup isn’t perfect, but they are playing as a team and executing Nick Nurse’s style well.

We can start to draw some conclusions about this team and what they will look like in the regular season. Fans should be comfortable with these three takeaways after watching the most impressive, complete performance of the preseason.

3 takeaways after the Toronto Raptors’ win against Houston.

3. Isaac Bonga should make the final roster.

With Nurse confirming that Yuta Watanabe has one of the final roster spots locked down, five players are still in the running for essentially two spots. Bonga, a 6-8 combo guard who spent last season with the Wizards, may have only had two points, but he made his presence felt.

Bonga chipped in with three rebounds and three assists, all while playing some solid defense and coming away with a +16 plus-minus rating on the evening. Nurse made sure to take note of the fact that Bonga was making plays in his postgame availability, which bodes well for someone looking to avoid getting cut.

Isaac Bonga might make the Toronto Raptors.

Even as he prepares for his fourth season, Bonga is going to be a work in progress on the offensive end. However, Toronto has shown that they are willing to work with players like him on improving their offensive game.

Bonga needed to show up, defend multiple positions, and make enough plays as a passer for the Raptors to be satisfied with keeping him on the roster. While nothing is set in stone just yet, it appears as though Bonga has impressed Toronto enough to force his way onto the roster.