Quick Answer
The Houston Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 114-110 on October 23, 2026, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 29 points, while Victor Wembanyama paced San Antonio with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Amen Thompson sealed the win with a game-saving block on Wembanyama in the final second.
Look, I’ve watched a lot of basketball in my time. I’ve seen buzzer-beaters, blown leads, and rookie meltdowns. But every now and then, a regular-season game in October gives you a moment that feels like June.
That’s exactly what happened when the rockets vs spurs squared off in Austin. Houston escaped with a 114-110 win, but the final score barely scratches the surface. This game had a little bit of everything: a homecoming, a physical battle in the paint, and one of the most cold-blooded defensive plays you’ll see all year.
Here’s the thing about this houston rockets vs spurs matchup—it wasn’t just about the stars. It was about who wanted it more in the final five seconds.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | 32 | 29 | 24 | 29 | 114 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 27 | 32 | 22 | 29 | 110 |
What Was the Final Score and Box Score for Rockets vs Spurs?
Houston won 114-110. The Rockets improved to 2-0, while the Spurs dropped to 0-2 to open the 2026-27 season.
Let’s break down the numbers that actually mattered:
Houston Rockets Key Stats:
- Alperen Sengun: 29 points (10-20 FG), 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block
- Amen Thompson: 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
- Kevin Durant: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists (8-8 FT)
- Fred VanVleet: 14 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, including the dagger free throws
San Antonio Spurs Key Stats:
- Victor Wembanyama: 25 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks (9-21 FG)
- Dylan Harper: 20 points (8-15 FG)
- De’Aaron Fox: 19 points, 9 assists
- Stephon Castle: 15 points, 5 assists
Houston shot 49% from the field and knocked down 28 of 31 free throws. San Antonio shot 46% but couldn’t get the stop they needed when it counted.
Key Takeaway:
- Sengun dominated the paint and the free-throw line.
- Wembanyama bounced back from a rough opener but struggled with efficiency.
- Houston’s role players (Thompson, VanVleet) made winning plays down the stretch.
The Rockets won this game at the charity stripe and at the rim, not from beyond the arc.
How Did Amen Thompson Block Victor Wembanyama to Seal the Game?
Here’s the moment everyone is talking about. With 5.4 seconds left and Houston up 112-110, the Spurs went to their 7-foot-4 alien in the paint. Wembanyama had a layup to tie it. Game over, right?
Not even close.
Amen Thompson—six-foot-seven—timed his jump perfectly and swatted the shot away without fouling. VanVleet grabbed the rebound, got fouled, and iced the game with two free throws.
Direct Answer: Thompson’s block was the defining play of the game, a nine-inch height disadvantage erased by timing and guts.
This is why you watch the rockets vs spurs last game highlights. It wasn’t a lucky bounce. It was a calculated, athletic gamble that paid off.
Alperen Sengun’s 29-Point Performance
Sengun was a wrecking ball. The 6-foot-11, 243-pound big man bullied his way to 29 points on 10-of-20 shooting, and he lived at the free-throw line (7-of-8).
But the real damage came in the fourth quarter. With the Spurs leading 104-103 with just over four minutes left, Sengun scored eight straight Houston points—back-to-back layups, a free throw, and a three-point play—to flip the game.
He also added 7 rebounds and 7 assists, flirting with a triple-double.
Key Takeaway:
- Sengun is not just a post scorer; he’s a hub.
- His free-throw shooting (10-of-12 through two games) is a massive development.
- When Houston needs a bucket, the ball goes through the big man.
Sengun outplayed Wembanyama when it mattered most, and the box score proves it.
Performance of Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, which looks great on paper. He shot 9-of-21 from the field and 2-of-6 from three.
This was a massive improvement from his season opener, where he went 1-of-13 against Oklahoma City. But against Houston, he settled for jumpers early and didn’t consistently impose his size inside until the second half.
He had his moments—a three-point play, a dunk in traffic, and that near-game-tying shot that got erased by Thompson. But the Spurs needed him to be dominant, not just good.
Direct Answer: Wembanyama’s numbers were solid, but his shooting efficiency and the final possession left plenty to be desired.
Where Was the Rockets vs Spurs Game Played?
The game took place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on the campus of the University of Texas.
Why does that matter? Because Kevin Durant was playing a homecoming game. Durant was the national college player of the year at Texas in 2006-07, and he finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in front of fans who remembered him fondly.
The Spurs have been playing games in Austin since the 2022-23 season. It’s part of their strategy to expand their regional footprint. But on this night, it felt like a neutral-site showdown with playoff intensity.
Key Takeaway:
- Austin has become a legitimate second home for the Spurs.
- Durant’s presence added an emotional layer to an early-season game.
- The atmosphere was closer to a playoff game than a typical October matchup.
The Moody Center delivered a big-game feel, and both teams responded.
Implications
It’s early. It’s October. But 2-0 feels a lot better than 0-2.
For Houston, this win validates their offseason approach. They’re physical, they defend, and they have multiple guys who can close. Sengun looks like an All-NBA candidate. Thompson is a defensive monster. Durant is the steady veteran who hits big shots.
For San Antonio, the panic meter should be at zero. They lost to two Western Conference heavyweights (Houston and OKC) to start the year. Wembanyama will find his rhythm. Fox and Harper look like a dynamic backcourt.
But here’s the thing: the rockets vs spurs rivalry is back. These teams don’t like each other. The games are physical. The stakes feel real.
The Bottom Line
The rockets vs spurs delivered an early-season classic. Houston’s 114-110 win was powered by Alperen Sengun’s interior dominance, Kevin Durant’s steady hand, and Amen Thompson’s iconic block. San Antonio got 25 and 13 from Wembanyama but couldn’t execute on the final possession.
If you’re looking for the rockets vs spurs match player stats, the story is simple: Houston made winning plays. San Antonio didn’t.
One block. Two free throws. Ball game.
References
- NBA.com. “Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs Oct 23, 2026 Game Summary.” October 23, 2026.
