11月2日，体育新闻平台24直播带来了最新报道，ESPN资深记者Brian Windhorst在《The Hoop Collective》播客访谈中，对本赛季以6胜1负佳绩开局的休斯顿火箭队进行了分析，并将之与2018-19赛季成功夺冠的多伦多猛龙队进行了对比。
In a reflection on Anthony Davis' final season with the Pelicans, Windhorst recounted, "I vividly recall my pre-season visit to New Orleans to interview Davis. That day, the Pelicans faced off against the Raptors, who had just acquired Leonard through a trade. The team appeared exceptionally formidable. 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, as did VanVleet."
在观战那场对决时，我不禁感叹：“天哪，这支多伦多猛龙的表现真是令人叹为观止！”我们早已听闻他们通过交易引进了伦纳德，并预见到他们有望问鼎冠军，然而他们所展现出的强大实力仍让我深感震撼。比赛结束后，我在体育馆后方偶遇了猛龙队的总经理鲍比·韦伯斯特。我激动地对他说：“鲍比，这支球队真是太出色了！”他的回应却是：“嗯，让我们拭目以待。”然而，他们最终在那个赛季成功夺得了NBA总冠军。这一经历给我留下了难以磨灭的印象。
Upon our subsequent visit to Macau to witness the Rockets' match, a comparable sensation emerged within me. Our prior travels to Australia and Manila were filled with numerous other attractions, such as keeping an eye on Irving's form and the anticipation of watching Flagg play live. However, upon spotting the Rockets on the opposite side of the court, my reaction was, 'Hold on, this team seems genuinely distinct.' We also engaged in conversations with Jabaari Smith Jr. and the team's general manager, Raphael Stone. I sensed an aura reminiscent of the Raptors from years past in this Rockets outfit. They possess a genuine chance, a legitimate shot at contention. Listen, even before the Thunder encountered injury issues, I harbored this belief. Now, while many point to the Thunder's injuries as an excuse, I've held this conviction long before that.