In a thrilling NBA Cup opener, the San Antonio Spurs secured a victory over the Houston Rockets with a score of 121-110 on Friday night. Key performances by Harrison Barnes and newcomers Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama were pivotal in the Spurs’ success against their Texas rivals.
Both Barnes and Kevin Durant were standout players, each contributing 24 points to their respective teams. However, it was Barnes who sealed the win for the Spurs by scoring the last four points, including two free throws and a breakaway dunk following a midcourt steal with just 12 seconds left on the clock.
Julian Champagnie delivered a strong performance in the final quarter, recording nine points and finishing 6 for 13 on three-point attempts. His efforts included a crucial contested offensive rebound and a defensive play that helped maintain San Antonio’s lead at 115-108.
The Rockets employed an aggressive defensive strategy against Victor Wembanyama, with guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard persistently challenging him in the first half. Despite this, Wembanyama managed to contribute 22 points to the Spurs’ triumph.
San Antonio ended the first half with a remarkable 12-0 run, capitalizing on five turnovers in the last two minutes. Devin Vassell added a three-pointer, and Stephon Castle completed a three-point play, further securing the Spurs’ lead. The run was initiated after Kevin Durant incurred his third personal foul for shoving Barnes.
The game marked the beginning of the NBA Cup for West Group C, which includes San Antonio, Houston, Portland, Denver, and Golden State. Both teams entered the matchup with identical 5-2 records, achieved through different paths: the Spurs won their first five games, while the Rockets rebounded from two initial losses with five consecutive wins.
Up next
Rockets: At Milwaukee on Sunday.
Spurs: Host New Orleans on Saturday.
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