Fred VanVleet Leads Rockets to Fourth Straight Road Victory vs. Spurs
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SAN ANTONIO -- Fred VanVleet scored a team-best 21 points on 7 of 16 shooting to lead the Houston Rockets to a 103-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Tuesday night's victory extended the Rockets' road winning streak to four while keeping their Play-In Tournament hopes alive. VanVleet also added seven rebounds and seven assists in the win.
The victory also gave the Rockets their first regular-season series win over the Spurs since the 2018-19 season.
Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) reaches for a ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Five players scored in double-figures for Houston in addition to VanVleet. Jalen Green added 16 points, while Dillon Brooks added 14. Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Jock Landale came off the bench and had his most impactful performance of the season. He finished with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block in the win. He played 25 minutes amid Houston's first game without Alperen Şengün, who is likely out for the season due to a knee and ankle injury.
With Smith starting at center in place of Şengün, Amen Thompson made his seventh career start. He added six points and three rebounds in 22 minutes.
It was a comeback victory for the Rockets, who trailed the Spurs 47-44 at the half. Houston got off to a slow start inside the Frost Bank Center. Midway through the first quarter, the Rockets trailed the Spurs by 10 (18-8) before VanVleet scored on back-to-back baskets to help Houston find its momentum.
Tre Jones led the Spurs with 24 points on 9 of 15 shooting, while Jeremy Sochan added 21 points in the loss. Victor Wembanyama finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
