The stunned silence from its home crowd couldn’t have been more noticeable, as the Toronto Raptors watched their once-imposing 16-point lead turn into a deficit, all within the span of a few commercial breaks. Perhaps it was for the better, given that it allowed for opportunities to hear the emphatic power behind Cam Whitmore’s fourth quarter jam. Athletic and determined in his every move during December 22, 2024’s tilt, Houston’s second-year stud mashes the accelerator after a teammate’s steal, sensing both transition advantages, and chances to extend the Houston Rockets’ late-game edge. Perfectly in-sync with his All-Star big, Whitmore elevates, capturing an alley-oop lob before forcing it down vigorously. Postseason-like mettle and toughness allowed H-Town to hang on for a four-point win, as they kept pace with the Wild West’s elites. Requiring all of 14 minutes to make his game-changing impact, Whitmore led the reserves, contributing 11 points (on 5-of-10 shooting), four rebounds, one steal, one 3-pointer, and a +13 plus-minus. · Dec 22, 2024