Nail-Biter in San Antonio: Spurs Top Rockets 109-106

The San Antonio Spurs pick up their first victory of the season in impressive fashion.

Oct 26, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) shoots over Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

In the first game of a two-game series, the San Antonio Spurs edged out the Houston Rockets 109-106 on Sunday night.

A strong start from San Antonio kept Houston on their heels, with the Spurs taking a quick 21-14 lead early in the first quarter, fueled by effective shooting from beyond the arc, which forced Rockets head coach Ime Udoka to call an early timeout to regroup his team.

San Antonio continued to dominate, extending their lead to 22 points late in the second quarter, thanks to 30 points scored in the paint compared to Houston’s 12.

Spurs center Victor Wembanyama dazzled the home crowd, who greeted him with MVP chants as he racked up 29 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Wembanyama also showed his range, hitting two of his five three-point attempts.

Jeremy Sochan looked solid, and contributed a 17-point double-double, adding to San Antonio's onslaught.

While the Rockets mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 37 points and outscoring San Antonio by 15, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

How It Happened...

Fourth Quarter:

FINAL: Spurs 109, Houston 106.

Third Quarter:

• Wembanyama is up to 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting from the field. Spurs maintain a 15-point advantage. Spurs 62, Rockets 47. 10:43 3Q.

HALFTIME: Spurs 52, Rockets 41.

Second Quarter:

• Spurs continue to dominate here in San Antonio. Sochan and Wembanyama lead the way with 10 points. Spurs 53, Rockets 38.

First Quarter:

• San Antonio leads Houston 38-31 after the first. Wembanyama looks much more comfortable offensively.

Pregame:

• Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m CT.

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