As expected, no Victor Wembanyama, nor Devin Vassell and Tre Jones for this first round between the Spurs and the Rockets. And yet, San Antonio led the score for a long time, from the 1st to the 44th minute thanks to a great Zach Collins (18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists) and an astonishing Jeremy Sochan shifted to the lead.
Alongside them, Keldon Johnson made a decent return even if he was clearly rusty, while Cedi Osman started as a power forward. Even if “Wemby” was not there, San Antonio had a perfect start to the match at 9 out of 14 on shots with a 5 out of 6 from 3-point range.
San Antonio led by 13 points entering the final quarter
On the Houston side, it’s quite the opposite with a festival of blunders on the starting side with a terrible 11 out of 36 on shots. Like Alperen Sengun (1 of 8 on shots) and Dillon Brooks (2 of 8 on shots), Houston did not have the compass in his eye. Result, a lead of 10 to 15 points for the Spurs throughout the match, and when the two coaches opened their benches, the Spurs still led by 13 points (76-63).
Except that the Rockets will come back and make the difference. Rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore lead the charge. The first by his defense, and the second by his address finally found. At their side, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green framed them perfectly, and the Spurs suffered a terrible 18-2, which allowed Houston to win 99-89, and remain undefeated in this preseason.
Wednesday evening is the revenge and Wembanyama will be in uniform.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
