By Harshit
HOUSTON, JAN. 29, 2026 — The San Antonio Spurs delivered a composed fourth-quarter performance to defeat the Houston Rockets 111–99 on Wednesday night at the Toyota Center, snapping Houston’s home momentum and taking a decisive edge in the season series.
With the win, San Antonio improved to 31–15, strengthening its hold on second place in the Western Conference, while Houston dropped to 28–16, missing an opportunity to extend its four-game home winning streak.
Rockets Start Fast, Go Cold Late
Houston opened the night with near-perfect execution, knocking down its first eight shots and racing to a 21–13 lead behind strong interior play and disciplined defense. Filling in for the injured Steven Adams, Clint Capela set the tone early as the Rockets controlled tempo for much of the first half.
That sharpness disappeared when it mattered most.
To open the fourth quarter, Houston endured a six-minute scoreless stretch, allowing San Antonio to seize full control. Despite ranking among the NBA’s top fourth-quarter scoring teams entering the game, the Rockets struggled with shot selection, ball movement, and spacing when the pressure peaked.
Wembanyama Dominates Both Ends
The difference came down to star power and efficiency.
Victor Wembanyama delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, finishing with 28 points, five blocks, and two steals, shooting over 50% from the field while anchoring San Antonio’s defense during Houston’s late collapse.
De’Aaron Fox added 18 points, including two timely three-pointers, while Julian Champagnie and rookie Dylan Harper provided valuable scoring depth.
Houston, by contrast, struggled to convert efficiently. Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 25 points, but needed 23 shots. Kevin Durant scored 24 points, and Alperen Sengun chipped in 18, though none found consistent rhythm as San Antonio tightened defensively.
Series Edge and Playoff Implications
Wednesday’s matchup carried added weight with both teams jockeying near the top of the conference standings. The season series was tied 1–1 entering the night, and San Antonio’s win now gives the Spurs a 2–1 advantage, along with a crucial tiebreaker edge.
The teams will meet once more in early March, but Houston can now only hope to split the series rather than win it outright — a factor that could loom large in playoff seeding.
By the Numbers
- Spurs scoring average: 117.4 PPG
- Rockets points allowed: 110.5 PPG
- San Antonio last 10 games: 6–4
- Houston last 10 games: 6–4
- Fourth-quarter FG drought (Houston): 6 minutes