The San Antonio Spurs suffered a narrow 110-114 defeat to the Houston Rockets on October 23, a result that leaves their recent form at 1W-2L. Victor Wembanyama bounced back emphatically from a poor shooting night, posting a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. The game was decided in the final seconds when Wembanyama's potential game-tying layup was blocked by Amen Thompson.
The Spurs and Rockets traded baskets in a fast-paced first quarter, but Houston built an 11-point lead. San Antonio clawed back before halftime, cutting the deficit to two points after a Fred VanVleet buzzer-beating three-pointer. The third quarter was a defensive grind, with both teams struggling from the field. Houston controlled most of the fourth quarter by feeding Alperen Sengun in the post. Down five late, the Spurs got clutch stops and buckets to pull within one possession. With five seconds left, Wembanyama caught the ball in the post for a layup, but Thompson's clean block sealed the Rockets' win.
Wembanyama responded after his worst career shooting performance against Oklahoma City. He looked confident, attacking the rim and finishing with authority. His 25 points and 13 rebounds marked his second straight double-double to start the season. He also added two blocks and two assists. The rookie phenom electrified the Moody Center crowd with a series of highlight dunks, including a put-back slam for the Spurs' first points and a powerful and-one finish off a precise pass. After the game, he was direct about the final play. "I would have dunked the ball," Wembanyama said.
Rookie Stephon Castle delivered a strong all-around performance with 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Several of his assists were lobs to Wembanyama for alley-oop finishes. Dylan Harper, in his second straight start, scored 20 points and brought energy late. His fast-break poster dunk over Sengun cut Houston's lead to two in the final minutes. De'Aaron Fox contributed 19 points and nine assists, though he'll want to clean up his turnovers ahead of the next game.
The Spurs' schedule doesn't get easier. They look to build on their recent 122-106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on October 24 when they host the Sacramento Kings on October 27. That win over Dallas is their only victory in the last three outings, following losses to Houston and Oklahoma City. Wembanyama and the team will aim to correct their late-game execution and defensive rotations. Knowing his competitive fire, he'll likely remember that block from Amen Thompson when these I-35 rivals meet again in late January.
