Spurs Defeat Rockets 121-110 in NBA Cup Opener
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Harrison Barnes led the San Antonio Spurs with 24 points as they defeated the Houston Rockets 121-110 in the NBA Cup opener on Friday night. Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama each contributed 22 points to help San Antonio secure the victory.
Key Performances
- Harrison Barnes scored the final four points of the game, including two free throws and a breakaway dunk after a midcourt steal with 12 seconds left.
- Julian Champagnie added nine points in the fourth quarter and finished with six 3-pointers made from 13 attempts. He also grabbed a crucial offensive rebound and recovered a loose ball on defense when the Spurs led 115-108.
- Victor Wembanyama faced aggressive defense from Houston guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard, who frequently pushed him out of offensive position during the first half. Wembanyama scored four points on 2-for-6 shooting in the opening periods.
- Kevin Durant scored 24 points and Alperen Sengun provided 22 points for the Rockets, whose five-game winning streak came to an end.
Game Momentum
San Antonio ended the first half with a 12-0 run, fueled by five turnovers from Houston in the last two minutes. Devin Vassell hit a 3-pointer and Stephon Castle completed a three-point play during this stretch. Durant was assessed his third personal foul at the start of the run after shoving Barnes to the court.
"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."
"Champagnie also collected and saved a contested offensive rebound and scooped a loose ball on the defensive end with the Spurs up 115-108."
The Spurs showed resilience and strategic defense to halt the Rockets' momentum and secure the win in this season's NBA Cup opener.
Author's summary: The Spurs overcame tough defense and ended the Rockets' five-game winning streak, led by strong performances from Barnes, Champagnie, and Wembanyama in a 121-110 NBA Cup victory.