Spurs Defeat Rockets 121-110 in NBA Cup Opener
The San Antonio Spurs secured a 121-110 victory over the Houston Rockets in the NBA Cup opener on Friday night. Harrison Barnes led the Spurs with 24 points, while Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama each contributed 22 points.
Key Performances
- Harrison Barnes scored the game's final four points, including two free throws and a breakaway dunk after a steal with 12 seconds left.
- Julian Champagnie added nine points in the final quarter, shooting 6 for 13 on three-pointers. He also made key defensive plays, including an offensive rebound and a loose ball recovery.
- Victor Wembanyama faced aggressive defense from Houston guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard, who pushed him repeatedly in the chest and disrupted his positioning. Wembanyama ended the first half with four points on 2-for-6 shooting.
Houston Rockets' Effort
Kevin Durant led Houston with 24 points, and Alperen Sengun scored 22. However, the Rockets' five-game winning streak was stopped. Durant was called for his third personal foul early in a critical 12-0 Spurs run at the end of the first half, which also included a 3-pointer by Devin Vassell and a three-point play finished by Stephon Castle. The Spurs capitalized on five turnovers in the final two minutes of the half.
"Barnes scored the game's final four points on a pair of free throws and a breakaway dunk after a steal at midcourt with 12 seconds remaining."
"Houston guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard got under Wembanyama and pushed him repeatedly in the chest and out of position offensively in the first half."
The Spurs' ability to close the first half with a strong run and maintain pressure helped secure their win over the Rockets in the inaugural NBA Cup game.
Author's summary: The Spurs overcame tough defense and a late-game challenge to defeat the Rockets 121-110, with strong performances from Barnes, Champagnie, and Wembanyama in the NBA Cup opener.