Houston Rockets Complete Comeback Preseason Win Over San Antonio Spurs

The Houston Rockets improved to 3-0 in preseason play following a comeback victory over the Spurs.

Coach Ime Udoka played four out of his projected five starters for almost 20 minutes each, but the Houston Rockets found adequate production from their reserve unit. 

Amen Thompson scored a team-high 15 points (6-13 FG, 2-4 3PT) and two steals. Aaron Holiday had the best all-around game with 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists. 

Thompson and Holiday played significant roles in helping the Rockets overcome the sloppy play of the starting five. The outcome led to Houston completing a 14-point comeback for a 99-89 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. 

After entering the final period down 76-63, the Rockets began the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run. After two made free throws by Darius Days, Houston took their second lead of the game with 4:10 left in the fourth quarter. 

Behind Cam Whitmore scoring 11 of his 15 points in the final period, the Rockets outscored the Spurs 36-13.

The Rockets' play in the fourth quarter was a 180 from the production they gave during the first three periods, where their play was subpar at best.

Jabari Smith Jr. committed an eight-second violation at the start of the third quarter. Smith's turnover marked the ninth of the game, which ended with the Rockets giving the ball away 16 times. 

The defense played by Cedi Osman forced Smith into the turnover, but his lack of ball security was an example of Houston's sloppy execution on both ends.

Houston's lackluster play on the defensive end allowed Zach Collins to score 18 points in the first half. The Spurs took a 52-43 lead into halftime after the Rockets trailed by as many as 14 points. 

Fred VanVleet led all starters in scoring with 12 points (5-10 FG, 2-4 3PT). Dillon Brooks added 10.

Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) dunks in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center / Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets were without Tari Eason and Jalen Green:

The Rockets played the first of two preseason games in San Antonio without the services of Tari Eason and Jalen Green. Udoka held Eason out due to a leg contusion while keeping Green on the sideline due to a "toenail problem."

Up Next:

The Rockets will continue their two-game preseason series in San Antonio on Wednesday. After two consecutive games against the Spurs, the Rockets will close their five-game preseason schedule Friday night against the Miami Heat.