Houston Rockets Fall to 0-2 Following Loss to San Antonio Spurs
SAN ANTONIO — Coach Ime Udoka emphasized several intangibles ahead of the Houston Rockets road game against the San Antonio Spurs. But when reflecting on Wednesday's embarrassing performance against the Orlando Magic, Udoka wanted to see his team "get off to a better start."
Behind a combined 25 first-half points from Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, the Rockets had a better start inside the Frost Bank Center. But a fourth-quarter collapse led to the Rockets falling to 0-2 on the season following a 126-122 overtime loss to the Spurs.
The Rockets held a 98-93 lead with six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Jabari Smith Jr. gave Houston a five-point lead following his second triple. But on the next defensive possession, Smith fouled Victor Wembanyama on his dunk attempt, which cut the Rockets' lead down to two points.
After the Spurs came within a point with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Smith made up for his mishap by converting a one-handed dunk. Smith finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.
His dunk gave the Rockets a 105-102 lead with 3:13 left in regulation. But the Spurs outscored Houston 9-6 to send the game into overtime.
Houston struggled on both ends during the extra period, which led to the Spurs taking command. After having five points at the half, Wembanyama finished with a career-best 21 points (7-of-19 FG), 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama and Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) battle for the rebound during the first half at Frost Bank Center.
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Green set an early tone for the Rockets by scoring 10 of his 16 points in the first quarter. His performance led to the Rockets trailing the Spurs by two points entering the second period (25-23). Green was aggressive during the first quarter, but the Rockets held their biggest lead behind VanVleet's production.
The All-Star point guard had a stretch where he made three consecutive baskets, which helped the Rockets take a 52-44 lead with 1:27 left in the second quarter. But each time it appeared that the Rockets were on the verge of taking control, the Spurs had an answer.
San Antonio outscored Houston 8-0 to close the first half, resulting in a 52-52 tie at the half.
The game flow of the third quarter replicated the first half. Green's layup attempt put the Rockets ahead 83-73 with 30.1 seconds left in the period. But the Spurs outscored the Rockets 10-2. And by the 10:03 mark of the fourth quarter, the Rockets held an 87-85 lead.
VanVleet finished with 24 points and 12 assists, while Green added 22 points in the loss. Alperen Sengun recorded his first double-double of the season with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with a game-high 25 points.
Jock Landale out due to concussion:
Jock Landale missed his first game of the season due to a concussion he sustained Wednesday night against the Magic. Udoka said during his pre-game availability that the league cleared Landale on "certain things," but he remained in concussion protocol against the Spurs.
Up Next:
The Rockets will host their home opener Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors. The game will mark the start of a seven-game homestand for the Rockets. Tip-off between the Rockets and Warriors is set for 6 p.m. CDT inside the Toyota Center.
