Spurs Defeat Rockets 121-110 in NBA Cup Opener
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Harrison Barnes led the San Antonio Spurs with 24 points, while Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama each contributed 22 points in their NBA Cup opener against the Houston Rockets, who lost 121-110 on Friday night.
Kevin Durant scored 24 points and Alperen Sengun added 22 for Houston, ending the Rockets' five-game winning streak.
Game Highlights
- Barnes scored the final four points, including free throws and a breakaway dunk after a steal with 12 seconds remaining.
- Champagnie hit nine points in the fourth quarter and was 6-for-13 from three-point range.
- Champagnie also made a crucial offensive rebound and scooped up a loose ball on defense with the Spurs leading 115-108.
Defensive Pressure on Wembanyama
The Rockets guarded Wembanyama aggressively. Guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard consistently pushed him out of position on offense during the first half, limiting him to four points on 2-for-6 shooting.
Second Half Surge
San Antonio finished the first half on a 12-0 run, capitalizing on five Houston turnovers in the last two minutes. Devin Vassell scored on a 3-pointer and Stephon Castle completed a three-point play during this run.
Durant received his third personal foul early in the run after shoving Barnes to the court.
"Barnes scored the game's final four points on a pair of free throws and a breakaway dunk after a steal at midcourt with 12 seconds remaining."
"Champagnie had nine points in the final quarter and finished 6 for 13 on 3-pointers."
Spurs disrupted the Rockets' momentum with strong defense and clutch plays, securing their NBA Cup opener victory.
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