Spurs Defeat Rockets 121–110 in NBA Cup Opener
Harrison Barnes led the San Antonio Spurs with 24 points, while Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama each contributed 22, securing a 121–110 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The game marked the opening round of the NBA Cup for both teams.
Key Performers
- Harrison Barnes: 24 points, including the game’s final four with free throws and a late dunk.
- Julian Champagnie: 22 points, hitting 6 of 13 attempts from beyond the arc, with nine points in the fourth quarter.
- Victor Wembanyama: 22 points, limited early due to tight defensive coverage.
- Kevin Durant (Rockets): 24 points.
- Alperen Sengun (Rockets): 22 points.
Game Highlights
With twelve seconds left, Barnes sealed the Spurs’ win by stealing the ball at midcourt and finishing with a dunk. Champagnie’s key plays late in the fourth quarter, including securing an offensive rebound and scooping up a loose defensive ball, preserved San Antonio’s edge at 115–108.
The Spurs surged at the end of the first half with a 12–0 run, triggered by five Houston turnovers within the final two minutes. During that sequence, Devin Vassell hit a crucial three-pointer, and Stephon Castle completed a three-point play. The run began after Kevin Durant committed his third personal foul for pushing Barnes to the floor.
Defensive Challenges
Houston’s defense focused heavily on Wembanyama, with guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard pressuring him by crowding his space and forcing contact. This limited the 7-foot-4 center to just four points on 2-for-6 shooting through the first 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.” — Associated Press
Summary
The Spurs ended Houston’s five-game win streak through disciplined defense, strong execution in clutch moments, and a balanced scoring effort across their front line.
Author’s summary: San Antonio opened their NBA Cup campaign with sharp team play and execution, halting Houston’s momentum while showcasing Wembanyama’s growing impact.