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Hardwood Highlight of the Night: Defense, ball movement lead to transition 3

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

After digging themselves an early deficit against the Houston Rockets, the Toronto Raptors began to dig themselves out with some solid defense and better movement on the offensive end.

One first quarter possession, in particular, stood out.

It begins with some unsung D.

James Johnson chases James Harden around a screen, funneling him towards a waiting Jonas Valanciunas. Lou Williams then creeps in to surround Harden with three bodies, forcing an off-balance pass, which is picked off by DeMar DeRozan, who correctly anticipates that Harden would try to kick it out to Trevor Ariza on the perimeter.

DeRozan then leads a fast break, with Patrick Patterson and Williams spreading the floor in transition while the Rockets attempt to take away a potential DeRozan drive.

From there, DeRozan hits Patterson for what appears to be an open three-pointer. Instead, Patterson makes the extra pass to find a charging Johnson, who's beat the remaining two Rockets down the court.

With the movement between DeRozan, Patterson and Johnson occupying the Rockets' attention, Williams has managed to find himself open in the corner on the weak side, where Johnson finds him to complete a beautiful transition three for Toronto.

(Courtesy: TSN2)

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