Victor Wembanjama and the Spurs stop the Rockets’ great run

A Texas Derby full of suspense in between Saint Anthony etc Houstonin what happened to be the first meeting between the two teams in the 2025 NBA Cup. Victor Vembanyama (22 points, 8 rebounds) who took over the group from Kevin Durant (24 points) et Alperen Sengun (25 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists). Special mention should be made Harrison Barnes (24 points) et Julian Champagne (22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals), who stole the show from the stars with their numerous award-winning successes.

Like what Victor Vembanjama produces, pushed by the interior and opposing physical density, Spurs suffer in the first half. The shots don’t go in, the turnovers keep coming, and the Rockets, driven by all the energy of Reid Shepard coming off the bench, take the lead despite the clumsiness of Kevin Durant and Alperen Senggun. The ten-point lead, however, was erased thanks to a 12-0 run at the end of the period, initiated by the pair of Stephon Castle – Devin Vassell, who was able to rush and eventually punish in transition (51-50).

San Antonio, to experience…

The layoff doesn’t slow down San Antonio, which continues to ride its good momentum to build on its lead, with a 3-point knack found for its second knives and free throws falling in spades. Not to mention the points in transition, which pile up with Houston’s lack of cleanliness, ball in hand. The awakening of Alperen Sengun in any case revives the guests, who reduce the deficit, while the duel with Victor Vembanjam – the author of the poster about Kevin Durant – is slowly unfolding, as the promising “time of money” approaches (97-92).

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=uaZoIVIMV40

“Money Time” where the Spurs continue to be saved by their 3-point success, with baskets falling as needed. Victor Wembanjama, limited by errors and not always inspired, is constantly punished by Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagne. Stephon Castle adds his points near the rim, at will, and the Rockets end up firing, paying for an offensive close in the final minutes (121-110).

TO BE REMEMBERED

– Harrison Barnes and Julian Champagnie make the difference. When Victor Vembanyama lacks inspiration, is well contained and has to become a facilitator, it is important that his teammates provide. It was done with the duo of Harrison Barnes – Julian Champagnie, who finished with 46 points and 12/22 from 3-point range! Their baskets did Mitch Johnson’s men a lot of good all night, especially in the final quarter, when the Rockets threatened. The latter decided to focus on ‘Wemby’ and, as a result, this offered space to Spurs’ shadow players. A losing bet.

– Victor Vembanyama, still in serious condition. It’s been three games since Victor Wembanyama hasn’t been this flashy, and last night he was annoyed by Taree Eason, Jabari Smith Jr, Steven Adams, Clint Capela, Josh Okogie, Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, who didn’t hesitate to run into him to wear him down and push the ball away. The statistics are there, the victory is also there, but the visual impression is not the most beautiful and we will have to adapt to it, because his next opponents will not fail to be inspired by the work of Phoenix, Los Angeles and Houston, so. Even if it was better after the break.

– Victor Wembanyama puts Kevin Durant on a poster. The second period started strong, including Victor Wembanyama’s big poster of Kevin Durant, who was late to the contest. No doubt flustered, “KD” then got his revenge almost instantly, wiping out “Wambi” to better dunk behind him.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=bsSC1CZDTko

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.