The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs squared off in a regular-season showdown at Toyota Center, and while the Spurs walked away with a 111-99 win, it was the star-studded battle on the court that had fans buzzing.
Victor Wembanyama once again reminded everyone why he’s the cornerstone of the Spurs' rebuild. The 7-foot-4 phenom put together a monster performance, finishing with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks.
But it wasn’t just the stat line - it was the timing. Wembanyama poured in nine points during a crucial early fourth-quarter stretch, igniting an 11-0 run that flipped the game on its head.
The Spurs didn’t grab their first lead until late in the third, but once they seized momentum, they never looked back.
That comeback effort - erasing a 16-point deficit - was a testament to the Spurs’ growing chemistry. Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson stepped up in big moments, helping San Antonio close strong.
The team shot an impressive 53.7% from the field, moving the ball well and getting contributions across the board. It’s the kind of balanced, unselfish play that head coach Gregg Popovich has been preaching, and on this night, it paid off.
But even in a loss, the Rockets had their moments - and one in particular had the home crowd roaring.
Alperen Şengün, the Rockets’ rising big man, delivered one of the highlights of the night when he put Wembanyama on skates with a slick move in the paint. With a quick shimmy and a burst toward the rim, Şengün created just enough space to elevate and throw down a powerful dunk. It was the kind of move that gets replayed on highlight reels and reminds you just how skilled the young center is becoming.
Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson also showed flashes of what Houston is building. Durant’s leadership continues to be a steadying force for this young squad, while Thompson’s energy and athleticism give the Rockets a dynamic backcourt presence. The team may still be in the middle of a rebuild, but there’s no denying the talent is there - it’s just a matter of putting the pieces together.
As for Wembanyama, the Spurs will be keeping a close eye on his health after a hard fall during the game. While he finished the night strong, any potential injury scare is something San Antonio can’t afford. He’s not just the face of their franchise - he’s the engine that drives everything they’re trying to build.
Next up, the Rockets will look to bounce back against the Atlanta Hawks. With Durant guiding the way and young players like Şengün and Thompson continuing to develop, Houston’s future remains intriguing. They may not be there yet, but nights like this - even in defeat - show glimpses of what could be.
For the Spurs, this win is another step forward. With Wembanyama leading the charge and the supporting cast finding its rhythm, San Antonio is starting to look like a team that’s figuring it out. The rebuild isn’t over, but games like this make it clear: the foundation is strong, and the ceiling is high.