HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Rockets put on a commanding display on Wednesday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 118-106 at the Toyota Center. The win saw the Rockets clinch the season series against their Texas rivals with remarkable ease, highlighting their dominance throughout the matchup.
Leading the charge for Houston were Amen Thompson and Jalen Green, both of whom showcased their exceptional talents on the court. Thompson, the standout performer, scored 25 points, shooting 12-of-15 from the field, and contributed nine rebounds and five assists to his team’s efforts. Meanwhile, Green added another layer to the Rockets’ offensive execution, finishing with 21 points and seven rebounds.
Yet it wasn’t just the dynamic duo of Thompson and Green who shined; Dillon Brooks proved to be a major asset, particularly from beyond the arc, as he drained five three-pointers to finish with 19 points. This performance was especially pertinent as the Rockets dominated the rebounding battle, finishing with 60 boards compared to the Spurs’ 41.
On the other side, the Spurs displayed some depth from their bench, with Keldon Johnson and rookie Stephon Castle each scoring 22 points. Castle’s contributions included seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals, but it was not enough to overturn the game’s momentum. Despite efforts from their bench, San Antonio struggled, with star player Devin Vassell only managing to record nine points.
The Rockets began the game with intensity, establishing a 14-4 lead early on due to Brooks' sharpshooting. By the time the first quarter concluded, Houston was already ahead 34-20, thanks to their starters who combined for 32 points on 13-of-18 shooting.
Even when San Antonio attempted to claw back—narrowing the gap to 12 points at one stage—the Rockets responded effectively. They extended their lead to 64-46 by halftime, maintaining control through the remainder of the game. At one point, Houston led by as many as 28 points during the third quarter, putting the game well out of reach.
Notably, the Rockets’ effective offensive strategy was complemented by exceptional defense. San Antonio managed to shoot only 42% from the field and struggled with their three-point shooting, connecting on just 17.9% of their attempts. This came as no surprise to observers, as the Rockets continuously pressured the Spurs, effectively stifling their offensive plays.
Looking to the future, both teams will face off again this weekend. The Spurs will attempt to break their four-game losing streak as they visit the Memphis Grizzlies. On the other hand, the Rockets are eager to build on their recent success when they host the Sacramento Kings, aiming to solidify their playoff contention.
The Rockets' relentless rebounding and sheer determination on defense played pivotal roles throughout the clash, indicating their potential as they head down the final stretch of the season. Ime Udoka, head coach of the Rockets, has cultivated this team to capitalize on their strengths, which has been evident, particularly against teams like the Spurs who have struggled to find consistency.
After Wednesday's loss, the Spurs have now dropped four consecutive games. The absence of Victor Wembanyama has severely affected their competitive edge, leaving the team scrambling for solutions as they navigate through difficult matchups. With their playoff hopes dimming, adjustments will be needed if they hope to turn their fortunes around.