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Rockets game drama reached a stunning climax Friday night when Amen Thompson rejected Victor Wembanyama’s last-second attempt at the rim, helping Houston hold off the San Antonio Spurs 114-110 at Austin’s Moody Center.
With only five seconds remaining and the Rockets protecting a 112-110 lead, Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox lofted a pass toward Wembanyama near the basket. The 7-foot-4 star appeared ready to finish with a dunk, but Thompson rose quickly and blocked the shot before it could reach the rim.
Amen Thompson Delivers a Heroic Rockets Game Finish
The defensive play immediately became the defining moment of the Rockets game. Thompson’s block landed in the hands of Fred VanVleet, who calmly made two free throws to put Houston out of reach.
Kevin Durant rushed toward Thompson after the final whistle and struggled to describe the athleticism behind the play. Durant praised Thompson’s ability to jump, recover and challenge a much taller opponent at the rim.
“What an incredible block,” Durant said after the game. “As soon as your feet hit the ground, to be able to bounce back up so quick, that’s rare in any human.”
Thompson, listed at 6-foot-7, finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Although his minus-12 rating was the worst among Houston players, his overall impact was far more important than that single statistic suggested.
Thompson and Wembanyama Battle at Both Ends
The Rockets guard was involved in another memorable exchange earlier in the game. With 1:13 remaining in the third quarter, Thompson cut toward the basket and threw down a two-handed dunk over Wembanyama. The Spurs center was called for a foul, and Thompson completed the three-point play.
“That’s low-key getting dunked on, right?” Thompson joked afterward.
On defense, Houston focused on making Wembanyama work for position. The Rockets switched effectively, denied several entry passes and tried to push the Spurs star away from his preferred spots. That approach limited the ease with which San Antonio could create offense around its franchise center.
Head coach Ime Udoka credited Thompson’s athleticism and preparation, saying the young guard handled his one-on-one responsibilities exceptionally well. Houston’s defensive effort became especially valuable during the tense final minutes.
Alperen Sengun Powers Houston to a Fast Start
While Thompson produced the game-saving moment, Alperen Sengun was Houston’s biggest offensive force. The center scored a game-high 29 points while adding seven rebounds and seven assists.
Sengun was particularly effective after halftime, scoring 18 points in the second half and 14 during the fourth quarter. When San Antonio stopped doubling him, he attacked directly and repeatedly created quality scoring opportunities in the post.
His performance also moved him into notable Rockets history. Sengun recorded the 35th game of his career with at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists, tying Steve Francis for the second-most such games by a Houston player before turning 25.
Durant contributed 20 points, matching Thompson’s total, as Houston maintained its composure against a talented Spurs lineup. The victory gave the Rockets a 2-0 record, marking their first such start since the 2017-18 season.
- Amen Thompson: 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals
- Alperen Sengun: 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists
- Kevin Durant: 20 points
- Final score: Rockets 114, Spurs 110
- Houston record: 2-0
Why This Rockets Game Matters
The win offered an early glimpse of Houston’s potential. The Rockets showed they can rely on veteran scoring from Durant, interior playmaking from Sengun and explosive perimeter defense from Thompson.
That combination could make Houston difficult to handle throughout the season. Sengun’s ability to punish single coverage gives the Rockets a dependable half-court option, while Thompson’s versatility allows Udoka to use him against larger forwards and centers in critical situations.
The Spurs, meanwhile, were left to regroup after allowing a narrow lead to disappear late. Wembanyama remains one of the league’s most difficult matchups, but Houston’s defensive discipline prevented him from deciding the game at the rim.
For Thompson, the final block may become an early signature moment. He said the play happened so quickly that he barely had time to process it. The celebration afterward, including the excitement near San Antonio’s bench, reflected the importance of the victory.
As reported by ESPN, the Rockets’ road ahead will bring more demanding tests, but this rockets game demonstrated the team’s resilience, athleticism and ability to execute when the pressure is highest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made the game-saving block for Houston?
Amen Thompson blocked Victor Wembanyama’s last-second shot with five seconds remaining to preserve Houston’s 114-110 lead.
What was the final score of the Rockets game?
The Houston Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 114-110 at Moody Center in Austin.
How many points did Alperen Sengun score?
Alperen Sengun led all scorers with 29 points. He also recorded seven rebounds and seven assists.
What was Amen Thompson’s stat line?
Thompson finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals.
What record did Houston improve to?
The Rockets moved to 2-0, giving the franchise its first undefeated start through two games since the 2017-18 season.
