Houston Rockets Extend Home Winning Streak in Victory Over San Antonio Spurs
HOUSTON — Victor Wembanyama may not have wanted to join the Houston Rockets the night of the draft lottery. But Monday night inside the Toyota Center, Wembanyama may have wished he was a part of the Rockets' 93-82 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Rockets extended their home winning streak to 10 with a victory over the Spurs. Tari Eason led the way with 18 points on 8 of 16 shooting and 14 rebounds in the win. Fred VanVleet also added 16 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Rockets had a subpar first quarter. They began the game by shooting 23.1 percent from the field and trailed 21-19 entering the second period. However, Jeff Green came off the bench at the start of the second quarter to help the Rockets gain momentum.
He scored 12 points during the quarter. His production led to Houston holding a 51-47 lead at the half. The Rockets scored a game-best 32 points during the period.
The Spurs tried their best to stay within reach of Houston, but the Rockets had an answer each time San Antonio made a run. Back-to-back free throws by Spurs' Keldon Johnson tied the game at 53 with 10:30 left in the third period.
The Rockets regained the lead following back-to-back 3-point field goals made by Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. Şengün finished with, while Smith added in the win. Şengün finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Smith added 12 rebounds and nine points.
By falling to the Rockets, the Spurs dropped their 17th consecutive game, which set a record for the longest streak in franchise history. Wembanyama finished with 18 rebounds and 15 points.
Rockets guard Fred VanVleet attempts to score as San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center.
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Amen Thompson returns:
Rookie guard Amen Thompson returned to Houston's lineup following a 15-game absence due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain. Thompson played 10 minutes off the bench and recorded five rebounds, two points and one assist.
Up Next:
The Rockets will close their two-game homestand Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies. They will then hit the road for three consecutive games, beginning Friday night with a home-and-home series against the Grizzlies. Tip-off between the Rockets and Grizzlies is slated for 7:00 p.m. CDT.
