Amen Thompson delivered a career-defining defensive play with less than a second remaining, blocking Victor Wembanyama’s game-tying layup attempt to secure a 114-110 victory for the Houston Rockets over the San Antonio Spurs. The decisive block in the lane forced the Spurs into a timeout, nullifying Wembanyama’s preceding long three-pointer that was released before the clock stopped. After the stop, Fred VanVleet converted two free throws to ice the game, marking Houston’s second win in their season opener stretch.
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The performance was anchored by a dominant offensive display from Alperen Sengun, who tallied 29 points, including eight consecutive in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot-11 center used his size and strength to muscle into the paint for layups and draw fouls, providing the scoring surge that separated the teams in the closing minutes. Kevin Durant, playing in a homecoming game against his former University of Texas rivals, contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, showcasing his continued versatility and leadership for the Rockets.
Despite a strong effort from Wembanyama, who recorded 25 points and 13 rebounds, the Spurs fell to 0-2 on the season. The game was played in Austin, a market the Spurs have cultivated as part of their regional expansion strategy, with nine games hosted there since the 2022-23 season. The loss highlights the Spurs’ early-season struggles, while the Rockets’ ability to close out tight games signals a promising start to their campaign.
Source: Yahoo Sports
