In a nail-biting matchup, the short-handed Houston Rockets staged an impressive rally to clinch a 103-101 victory against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Fred VanVleet led the balanced Rockets’ attack with 21 points, contributing to their fourth straight road win and establishing a season best.
The game saw both teams engaged in a closely contested battle, with the Spurs leading 85-82 with 8:58 remaining. However, the Rockets mounted a decisive 11-0 run, culminating in a dunk by Jock Landale, to take a 93-85 lead with 6:19 left on the clock. Despite a late surge from the Spurs, highlighted by Jeremy Sochan’s three-point play, the Rockets held on for the win.
Jalen Green added 16 points for the Rockets, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 15, Dillon Brooks scored 14, and Landale finished with 11 points. The absence of star forward Alperen Sengun, who is out indefinitely due to injuries sustained in a previous game, did not hinder the Rockets’ performance.
For the Spurs, Tre Jones led all scorers with 24 points, supported by Jeremy Sochan’s 21-point effort. Victor Wembanyama recorded an impressive stat line with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Julian Champagnie and Blake Wesley each contributed 10 points.
The Spurs initially forged an 18-8 lead in the first quarter, but the Rockets steadily chipped away at the deficit, ending the period trailing 30-24. A pivotal moment occurred in the second quarter when Jalen Green’s 3-pointer gave the Rockets a 32-30 lead. Despite San Antonio regaining the advantage, the Rockets showcased resilience, ultimately securing a 47-44 lead at halftime.
The thrilling contest continued down to the wire, with key free throws from Jalen Green and Aaron Holiday sealing the victory for the Rockets. The game’s intensity was further heightened by strategic fouls and a missed intentional free throw by the Spurs, ultimately resulting in the Rockets securing the rebound and the win.
Despite facing adversity with a short-handed lineup, the Rockets’ collective effort and strategic plays demonstrated their resilience and determination to secure crucial road victories.
