In a heated rematch between in-state rivals, the San Antonio Spurs showed exactly why they’re one of the top contenders in the Western Conference - and they did it with grit, poise, and a whole lot of physicality.
Just a week removed from a tough loss to the Houston Rockets, the Spurs didn’t just come to play - they came to respond. Down 16 points early, San Antonio didn’t blink.
Instead, they dug in, turned up the intensity, and walked away with a convincing 111-99 win that felt like more than just a regular-season victory. It was a statement.
Old-School Physicality, Modern Execution
This one had the feel of an old-school rivalry - bodies flying, elbows swinging, and no easy buckets. If you tuned in expecting a finesse-filled three-point shootout, you were watching the wrong game. San Antonio leaned into the contact, attacked the paint, and made Houston feel every possession.
The Spurs made a conscious decision to bypass the three-point line and go straight at the Rockets’ interior defense. And it paid off.
Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Victor Wembanyama were relentless at the rim, each finishing with 15+ points - most of them earned the hard way, through traffic and contact. It was a collective effort that wore down Houston’s backline.
What stood out wasn’t just the scoring - it was the mindset. The Spurs didn’t flinch when the Rockets turned up the physicality.
They embraced it. Every drive to the basket was a challenge, and San Antonio kept answering the bell.
A Defensive Identity That Travels
Early on, it looked like Houston might run away with this one. Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson were in rhythm, and the Rockets were carving up the Spurs’ defense.
But that didn’t last long. Once San Antonio settled in, their defense tightened - and then completely took over.
Victor Wembanyama was the anchor, and his impact was undeniable. With five blocks and two steals, he disrupted everything Houston tried to do in the paint.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. The Spurs’ defensive rotations were crisp, their communication was sharp, and they made life miserable for the Rockets in the second half.
Head coach Mitch Johnson deserves credit for some sharp adjustments. Switching into a zone against a Houston team that’s still finding consistency from beyond the arc was a savvy move. Even more intriguing were the matchups - Castle on Alperen Sengun, Wembanyama on Amen Thompson - that threw the Rockets off their rhythm.
By the fourth quarter, Houston looked out of answers. San Antonio’s defense had completely taken the air out of the Rockets’ offense, forcing turnovers and turning stops into transition opportunities. It was a masterclass in how to control a game without needing to light it up from deep.
A Team That Knows Who It Is
This win wasn’t just about revenge. It was about identity.
The Spurs know exactly who they are - a tough, physical, defensive-minded team that can take a punch and respond with force. That kind of clarity matters, especially as the season grinds into its second half and playoff positioning starts to take shape.
Games like this are where contenders separate themselves. Down double digits?
No panic. Facing a physical opponent?
Meet them at the rim. Need a stop?
Lock in and get one. The Spurs checked every box.
Victor Wembanyama continues to show why he’s the centerpiece of this franchise’s future, but what’s just as important is how the rest of the roster is stepping up around him. Castle and Harper brought intensity and scoring punch, the defense was connected, and the coaching staff pushed all the right buttons.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a message. The Spurs aren’t just a young, talented team.
They’re a problem. And if this budding rivalry with Houston keeps producing games like this, we’re in for a fun ride.