Coming off a disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Spurs took two days off before traveling to Houston to take on the Rockets. What followed was a tale of two halves. The first half consisted of the Rockets shooting the lights out and the Spurs bricking their shots with a side of turnovers. The Spurs trailed by 10 after the first quarter, and trailed by as much as 16 in the second. However, they made a small run to cut the deficit to eight at halftime. The second half flipped the script.
The Spurs started to crawl their way back, and Keldon Johnson and Dylan Harper kick-started it. After outscoring the Rockets 30-24 in the third, the Spurs dominated the fourth. They started the quarter on an 11-0 run and shut down Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant. From the 3:41 mark to 40 seconds remaining, the Rockets could not score. The Spurs outscored them 27-13 in the quarter, and ultimately won 111-99.
Victor Wembanyama led the way with a double-double: 28 points (8-15 FG, 12-15 FT) and 16 rebounds to go along with five blocks, three assists, and two steals. Vic battled with multiple defenders all game. The Rockets were rough and physical, so Wemby drew contact almost every time he touched the ball in the paint. As far as his defense, Wemby showed up and showed out. After not blocking a single shot against the Rockets on the 20th, Wemby swatted five- a truly dominant performance in a rivalry game.
TWO-WAY PLAYER! After Wemby comes up with the steal, Stephon Castle lobs it back to him on the fastbreak, and he posterizes Amen Thompson!
Here’s another angle!
ANOTHER POSTER! After Vic secures the rebound, De’Aaron Fox throws a nice bounce pass to a cutting Vic, who spins for a reverse poster over Josh Okogie!
LOCKDOWN DEFENSE! After Castle bodies up Durant, Wemby helps out with a rejection that forces a Rockets shot-clock violation!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 18 points (6-11 FG), eight assists, five rebounds, and a block. After struggling to take care of the ball in the first half, D-Fox’s scoring climbed up as the Spurs inched their way back in the second half. His craftiness allowed him to get into the paint and create easy shots for himself and his teammates. Swipa continues to be the scorer San Antonio needs.
SPLASH! D-Fox fakes out Thompson and then knocks down the open three!
Keldon Johnson dropped 17 points (8-15 FG), seven rebounds, and five assists. If it wasn’t for KJ’s constant pressure getting the basket, the Spurs might not have completed their comeback. He was fearless posting up players like Sengun in the paint. He continues to be the Spurs’ savior off the bench, and his energy sparked the rest of the team as the comeback was completed. It has been said in almost every Spurs game this season: KJ deserves 6MOTY.
SPIN X2! KJ pulls out the double spin move on Thompson and converts a tough bucket!
KJ DAGGER! As the shot clock dwindled, KJ caught the Rockets falling asleep and slammed home the finishing touch on the game!
Stephon Castle dropped 16 points (7-12 FG), six assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Steph was an absolute game-changer on defense. Mitch Johnson had him guard Durant and Sengun, and he managed to hold his own against two near-seven-footers. His strength and balance are excellent for a second-year guard, and he frustrated the Rockets’ top scorers. Steph also managed to fill up the stat sheet on offense, and he continues to impress.
TOO SLOW! Steph catches Jabari Smith Jr. flat-footed and drives right past him for the easy jam!
SPIN AND-ONE! Steph spins off of KD and finishes through contact for the and-one!
Dylan Harper dropped 16 points (8-11 FG), four rebounds, three assists, and a block. Dyl co-led the comeback team in the third with KJ and made quick work of the Rockets’ defenders in the paint. His confidence continues to grow as he slashes his way into the paint without fear. Games like these remind fans that his potential is limitless, and he will continue to shine off the bench for the silver and black.
A familiar sight! Dyl finds Devin Vassell on the sideline, and he drains the contested three!
TOO FAST! Dyl takes it coast to coast, speeds past Reed Sheppard, and finishes over KD!
DEEP IN HIS BAG! Dyl drives on KD and finishes with the reverse layup off the glass! So smooth!
All in all, this was an inspiring comeback win. After it looked like the Spurs were dead in the water during the second quarter, they continued to claw their way back and buckled down defensively. A key moment in the game came when Mitch decided to let Thompson shoot, and it completely derailed the Rockets’ offense. This is when this team is at its best. They put pressure on defense, and it resulted in key buckets. Defeating a playoff team is never easy, but when the Spurs play like this, they can beat anyone.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs travel to Charlotte this Saturday to take on the Hornets at 2:00 P.M. (CST) on Prime Video/KENS.
