Spurs Defeat Rockets 121-110 in NBA Cup Opener
San Antonio Spurs secured a 121-110 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night, marking the NBA Cup opener for both teams.
Key Performances
- Harrison Barnes led the Spurs with 24 points, including the game’s final four points from free throws and a breakaway dunk with 12 seconds left.
- Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama each contributed 22 points.
Champagnie was vital in the fourth quarter, scoring nine points and finishing 6-for-13 from three-point range. He also secured a key offensive rebound and a loose ball when the Spurs led 115-108.
Rockets Highlights
- Kevin Durant scored 24 points for Houston.
- Alperen Sengun added 22 points.
- The Rockets’ five-game winning streak came to an end.
Defensive Battle and Game Flow
Houston’s defense targeted Wembanyama aggressively. Guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard repeatedly pushed him off position in the first half, limiting his opening quarters to four points on 2-for-6 shooting.
The Spurs closed the first half with a decisive 12-0 run, sparked by five Rockets turnovers in the last two minutes. Devin Vassell hit a three-pointer and Stephon Castle completed a three-point play during this run.
Kevin Durant was called for his third personal foul at the start of the run after shoving Barnes to the court.
The Spurs capitalized on turnovers and maintained control to hold off Houston's aggressive defensive efforts down the stretch.
Author’s Summary
The Spurs overcame a tough Rockets defense and a strong performance by Durant and Sengun to claim a key opening victory in the NBA Cup.