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The pivotal block was quickly gathered by teammate Fred VanVleet, who subsequently sealed the win at the free-throw line. The sequence capped a high-stakes finish at the Moody Center, where the Rockets successfully defended their narrow advantage against a late San Antonio surge. Rockets forward Kevin Durant, who witnessed the defensive effort firsthand, praised Thompson’s rare athleticism and quick recovery, noting the difficulty of challenging a player of Wembanyama’s stature.
Sengun and Thompson lead offensive charge
While Thompson’s defensive heroics defined the final moments, the Rockets relied on a balanced offensive attack throughout the contest. Center
Thompson also contributed significantly on the offensive end, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals. His contributions included a momentum-shifting play late in the third quarter when he drove to the basket for a two-hand dunk over Wembanyama, completing an and-1 opportunity that extended the Houston lead to nine points. Durant matched Thompson’s 20-point contribution, helping the team navigate a physical matchup against the Spurs' interior defense.
Strategic adjustments secure early season momentum
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka credited his team’s defensive discipline for the result, highlighting their ability to switch effectively and deny passing lanes to Wembanyama. By forcing the Spurs to work for their opportunities, the Rockets were able to maintain their composure during the game's most critical stretches. Udoka specifically lauded Thompson’s ability to use his athleticism to hold his own in one-on-one post situations.
For the Rockets, the win marks their first 2-0 start to a season since the 2017-18 campaign. The team’s ability to execute under pressure—both through Sengun’s playmaking and Thompson’s defensive stop—proved the difference in a tightly contested matchup. As the season progresses, the Rockets will look to build on this early momentum following a successful road test against a competitive San Antonio squad.
