Spurs defeat Rockets 121-110; Barnes and Wembanyama lead in NBA Cup opener
Harrison Barnes scored 24 points, while Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama added 22 each, helping the San Antonio Spurs secure a 121-110 victory over the Houston Rockets in their NBA Cup opener on Friday night.
Kevin Durant led Houston with 24 points, and Alperen Sengun contributed 22 as the Rockets saw their five-game winning streak come to an end.
Key moments of the game
- Barnes sealed the win by scoring the final four points — two free throws and a breakaway dunk after stealing the ball at midcourt with 12 seconds to play.
- Champagnie was instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring nine points and finishing 6-for-13 from three-point range.
- He also secured a crucial offensive rebound and recovered a loose ball defensively when the Spurs led 115-108.
Defensive intensity and turning point
The Rockets played Wembanyama physically, as Houston guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard pressured him early, pushing him out of position. Wembanyama managed just four points on 2-for-6 shooting in the first half.
San Antonio shifted momentum by closing the first half on a decisive 12-0 run, capitalizing on five Houston turnovers in the final two minutes.
“Durant was called for his third personal foul at the start of the run after shoving Barnes to the court.”
During that stretch, Devin Vassell hit a three-pointer, and Stephon Castle completed a three-point play that helped the Spurs take control of the game.
Author’s summary
San Antonio combined discipline and grit to overcome Houston’s early aggression, leaning on Barnes’ leadership and Wembanyama’s presence to claim a strong first win in the NBA Cup.