San Antonio Spurs Fumble 4th Quarter Lead in Loss vs. Houston Rockets
The San Antonio Spurs are back in the loss column after a 99-89 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday night at the Frost Bank Center.
The Spurs played without Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Tre Jones, but looked good through three quarters. In particular, Zach Collins led the way with 18 points and eight rebounds on 8 of 10 shooting from the field.
Keldon Johnson also played in his first game of the preseason for the Spurs after missing the first two contests with a hamstring injury. Johnson struggled with his shot, making just 4 of 13 from the field, but finished with 11 points. Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham also found themselves in double figures.
San Antonio led by 13 points going into the fourth quarter, but Houston's bench didn't quit. With the reserves in the game, the Rockets outscored the Spurs 36-13 in the final frame and stole away a win.
San Antonio Spurs forward Cedi Osman (16) blocks a shot by Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) in the first half at the Frost Bank Center.
Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
The Spurs shouldn't let this upset their positive developments from earlier in the game. The team's core rotation players that suited up tonight played well and there's something to build upon as the team enters the final week of training camp.
Houston was led by rookies Amen Thompson (No. 4 pick) and Cam Whitmore (No. 20 pick), who each scored 15 points off the bench. Veterans Aaron Holiday and Fred VanVleet scored 12 apiece, while Dillon Brooks added 10.
The two teams will be back in action Wednesday in a rematch at Frost Bank Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
