Victor Wembanyama’s emphatic dunk over Kevin Durant served as the exclamation point in the San Antonio Spurs’ 121-110 victory over the Houston Rockets, marking a strong start to their NBA Cup campaign on Friday night.
The game, held at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, saw the Spurs improve to 6-2 while halting the Rockets’ five-game winning streak. Harrison Barnes led the scoring with 24 points, supported by 22 points each from Julian Champagnie and Victor Wembanyama. Kevin Durant scored 24 points for Houston, with Alperen Sengun adding 22, but it wasn’t enough to overcome San Antonio’s balanced attack. The matchup was part of the NBA Cup group play, adding early-season intensity to the contest.
Wembanyama’s highlight-reel moment came in the second half when he posterized Durant with a thunderous slam dunk that energized the home crowd. The play showcased the rookie’s exceptional athleticism and fearlessness against a veteran star, becoming an instant viral sensation. Durant, known for his own scoring prowess, responded with dunks of his own, but the Spurs maintained control throughout the game. This exchange highlighted the competitive spirit between the two teams.
San Antonio seized momentum with a 12-0 run to close the first half, fueled by five Houston turnovers in the final two minutes. Devin Vassell hit a key three-pointer, and Stephon Castle completed a three-point play during the surge. The Rockets’ aggressive defense early on limited Wembanyama to just four points in the first half, but he adjusted and dominated after the break. Houston’s efforts to physicalize Wembanyama included pushes from guards Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard, but the Spurs’ depth proved decisive.
Julian Champagnie was instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring nine points and finishing 6-for-13 from beyond the arc. He also made crucial defensive plays, including securing a contested rebound and a loose ball with the Spurs leading 115-108. Barnes sealed the victory with a steal and breakaway dunk in the final seconds, capping a strong all-around performance. The Spurs’ ability to execute in clutch moments underscored their growth as a team.
Both teams entered the game with 5-2 records but had different trajectories—the Spurs winning their first five games before recent setbacks, while the Rockets rallied from an 0-2 start. The NBA Cup group play adds significance to these matchups, with San Antonio and Houston competing in West Group C alongside Portland, Denver, and Golden State. This context made the win particularly important for playoff positioning and team morale.
The victory positions the Spurs favorably in the early standings, demonstrating their depth and potential as a rising team. With Wembanyama’s development and contributions from veterans like Barnes, San Antonio looks to build on this momentum as they host New Orleans on Saturday. The Rockets, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back when they visit Milwaukee on Sunday. The outcome sets the stage for continued competition in the group phase, with both teams eyeing advancement in the tournament.
