AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Amen Thompson blocked Victor Wembanyama’s game-tying layup attempt with less than a second remaining and the Houston Rockets held on to beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-110 on Friday night.
Fred VanVleet made two free throws for the final points after Thompson turned away the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama in the lane as the Rockets started their season with two victories.
Kevin Durant had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a homecoming game for the former University of Texas star. Thompson had 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Wembanyama had 25 points and 13 rebounds but San Antonio fell to 0-2. He banked in a long 3-pointer on the possession before the 6-7 Thompson’s block, but it didn’t count because Spurs coach Mitch Johnson had called timeout with 5 seconds left before Wembanyama released the ball.
Alperen Sengun scored 29 points, including eight straight in the fourth quarter, for the Rockets. The 6-11, 243-pound Sengun muscled his way inside to create layups and free throws.
The Spurs consider Austin part of a mega region that they’ve cultivated for several years. They have played games here every season since 2022-23, a total of nine. Two more are scheduled for February.
Though it was a Spurs home game, Durant had his share of fans. He was national college player of the year for Texas in 2006-07. Durant made a critical 3-point shot with 1:34 remaining.
Dylan Harper had 20 points, including a driving dunk that left the Spurs trailing by two with 46 seconds left.
VanVleet made a long 3-pointer just ahead of the halftime buzzer to tie the game at 59. Before that, the Spurs scored nine points in three possessions starting at the 1:21 mark. Wembanyama made a three-point play inside, Julian Champagnie hit a corner 3, and Wembanyama elevated to convert a pass from Stephon Castle into dunk while getting fouled.
Up next
Rockets: At Atlanta on Saturday night.
Spurs: At Dallas on Saturday night.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Mark Rosner, The Associated Press