In a thrilling NBA matchup, the San Antonio Spurs overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets 111-99 on January 28, 2026, with Alperen Sengun’s one-handed slam dunk serving as a standout moment in the contest. The victory was fueled by Victor Wembanyama’s dominant performance, highlighting a game of shifting momentum and key plays.
The Rockets started strong at the Toyota Center in Houston, building an early lead through efficient scoring from Sengun and Kevin Durant. By halftime, Houston led 62-54, and they extended the advantage to 16 points in the third quarter, with Sengun’s athletic one-handed dunk electrifying the home crowd during this surge. The dunk occurred on a fast break, showcasing Sengun’s agility and power as he finished with authority, contributing to his near triple-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
However, the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, began to claw back into the game. Wembanyama, who had struggled in a previous loss to Houston, redeemed himself with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks, anchoring San Antonio’s defense and providing crucial scoring in the paint. His defensive presence disrupted Houston’s rhythm, particularly in limiting Sengun and Durant in key moments, turning the tide in the Spurs’ favor.
A pivotal 11-0 run to open the fourth quarter, powered by Wembanyama’s nine points, gave the Spurs their first lead of the game at 95-86. Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle supported the effort with timely baskets, including Harper’s six points during a 10-4 run that extended the lead to 107-96 with about two and a half minutes left. The Rockets, meanwhile, struggled with shooting efficiency, managing only 39.4% from the field compared to San Antonio’s 53.7%.
For Houston, Amen Thompson led the scoring with 25 points, and Kevin Durant added 24, but their efforts were marred by inefficiency, as Thompson made 11 of 23 shots and Sengun was 7 of 20. The team’s offensive execution faltered in the final quarter, with missed opportunities and turnovers allowing the Spurs to maintain control. San Antonio’s ball movement and second-chance points proved decisive in securing the win.
This victory gives the Spurs a 2-1 lead in the season series against the Rockets, with the final matchup scheduled for March 8 in San Antonio. It also boosts San Antonio’s record to 32-15, keeping them competitive in the Western Conference playoff race, while the Rockets fall to 28-17 but remain in contention. The game underscored the growing rivalry between the two teams, with Sengun and Wembanyama emerging as key figures in their respective franchises.
Looking ahead, the Spurs will travel to face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, while the Rockets are set to play the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night. Both teams will use this game as a learning experience, focusing on defensive adjustments and offensive consistency as they continue their push towards the postseason. The highlight-reel slam by Sengun, though in a losing effort, remains a testament to his development and the exciting talent in the NBA.
