Can Houston Rockets Use Heartbreaking Loss to San Antonio Spurs as 'Growth and Motivation?'

In addition to fixing the details that led to a winless road trip dating back to their season-opening loss to the Orlando Magic, coach Ime Udoka and his veterans took it upon themselves to uplift the team's spirit.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets have not had a great start to the 2023-24 season. They sustained a 126-122 overtime defeat to the San Antonio Spurs Friday night, which caused a somber mood when departing the Frost Bank Center.

The Rockets are 0-2 ahead of their seven-game homestand Sunday evening against the Golden State Warriors. In addition to fixing the details that led to a winless road trip dating back to their season-opening loss to the Orlando Magic, coach Ime Udoka and his veterans took it upon themselves to uplift the team's spirit.

Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama loses control of the ball while defended by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith during the second half at Frost Bank Center / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

"It's still early in their careers, but it is a good thing they feel a little down on themselves," Dillon Brooks said. "It's good for growth and motivation. It's all about getting back in the gym to see all of the hard work you put in pay off."

But out of all the players, Jabari Smith Jr. took the loss to the Spurs the hardest. He missed two free throws down the stretch and a potential game-winning 3-point basket.

He also struggled to defend Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 11 points and three rejections during the final six minutes of regulation and overtime.

Fred VanVleet said his message to Smith was to keep his head up and not stop working. Nearly 12 hours later, Smith spent the final minutes of practice working on his free throws and 3-point shooting, the same shots he missed in San Antonio.

#Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. working on his free throws and 3-point shooting, the same shots he missed Friday night vs. the Spurs. pic.twitter.com/Td1rRRFt9K

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) October 28, 2023

"I've certainly been there," VanVleet said. "I've had my share of bad plays over my career. That's what you got teammates for, for us to be there for you, and we're going to live with those shots. We're going to live with those plays. You have to stay tough and stay confident. We'll band together as a team."

The Rockets' fourth-quarter failure wasn't solely on Smith. Houston held a five-point lead with six minutes left in regulation. But due to their subpar execution, the Spurs outscored the Rockets 33-24 during the final 11 minutes.

Their fourth-quarter collapse resembled the team that finished with a 22-60 record during the 2022-23 season. The Rockets won four games by a single possession and lost three just as close.

"It’s a little tough, but it’s game two," Jalen Green said. "We can’t really put too much pressure on ourselves. Everyone played really well, and the best part about it is, we’re going back to the crib. We got a pretty long homestead. That’s good news."