11月2日，体育资讯平台24直播网报道，ESPN资深记者Brian Windhorst在《The Hoop Collective》的播客中分享了对于本赛季开局6胜1负的休斯顿火箭的看法，并将他们的表现与2018-19赛季成功夺冠的多伦多猛龙进行了对比。
"I recall, during the pre-season, visiting Anthony Davis in New Orleans when he was with the Pelicans," Windhorst recounted. "That day, the Pelicans faced off against the Raptors, who had just acquired Leonard through a trade. The Raptors appeared to be in exceptional form. There was a player, whom I had never seen play more than eight minutes in a half before, Pascal Siakam. He dominated the court. Leonard delivered a stellar performance, and VanVleet was equally impressive."
在观战那场赛事之际，我不禁感叹：“哇，这支多伦多猛龙的表现真是令人叹为观止！”我们早已知晓他们通过交易引进了伦纳德，并预见到他们将成为冠军的有力竞争者，然而他们所呈现出的强大实力依旧让我深感震撼。比赛结束后，我在体育馆后方偶遇了猛龙队总经理鲍比·韦伯斯特。我激动地对他说：“鲍比，这支球队真是出色！”他的回应是：“嗯，让我们拭目以待。”最终，他们在那一年的赛季中成功夺得了NBA总冠军。这一经历给我留下了难以磨灭的印象。
Thus, during our subsequent visit to Macau to witness the Rockets' contest, I experienced a comparable sensation. Our previous trips to Australia and Manila were filled with numerous other captivating matters, such as monitoring Irving's condition and the anticipation of watching Flagg play live for the first time. However, upon spotting the Rockets on the opposite side of the court, my response was, "Wait a minute, this team truly seems distinct." We also engaged in conversations with Jabaal Williams and the Rockets' General Manager, Raphael Stone. There's an aura about this Rockets team that reminds me of the Toronto Raptors of yesteryears. They possess genuine championship aspirations. Listen, even before the Thunder encountered injury issues, I harbored this belief. Now, while many may point to the Thunder's injuries as justification, I've held this conviction long before anyone else.