The defending NBA champion Toronto Raptors showed their energy on the floor on Monday as they hit the gym for their first practice since arriving in Japan for a two-game preseason series against the Houston Rockets.
The two teams will square off on Tuesday and Thursday night at Saitama Super Arena in Japan's first NBA action since 2003. It will also be the first preseason contest for the Raptors this year.
"First of all, we're super excited to be here," Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said before the session in Tokyo. "I know when this invitation came to us a while ago, they brought it to me and I immediately said 'Yes.' I was excited to get here. We're here to promote the NBA and the city.