By Jeff McDonald, Staff writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-10-17 23:27:53
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）在上半场对阵圣安东尼奥马刺队的哈里森·巴恩斯（Harrison Barnes）（40 号）时进攻篮筐。
休斯顿 - 在周四首节比赛的第一次暂停期间，休斯顿火箭队的现场工作人员借机让丰田中心的球迷们重温了一段美好的回忆。
记分牌上的大屏幕播放了火箭队中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）的精彩片段，回顾了他在上赛季对阵维克托·文班亚马（Victor Wembanyama）和马刺队时砍下 45 分的统治级表现。
如果文班亚马和马刺队想要复仇，那他们只能等到常规赛了。
这位 NBA reigning 最佳新秀是少数几位没有在马刺队以 107-129 输给火箭队的季前赛收官战中出场的关键球员之一。
杰伦·格林（Jalen Green）得到 30 分和 7 个三分球，领衔火箭队，他们在周四的比赛中使用了类似于常规赛的轮换阵容。
而马刺队显然没有。
除了文班亚马，马刺队还缺少了克里斯·保罗（Chris Paul）、凯尔登·约翰逊（Keldon Johnson）、杰里米·索汉（Jeremy Sochan）和德文·瓦塞尔（Devin Vassell）。
在这五人中，只有瓦塞尔（脚伤）预计在下周四马刺队在达拉斯开启常规赛时仍将缺阵。
这支阵容不整的马刺队由替补席上的新秀斯蒂芬·卡斯尔（Stephon Castle）拿下全队最高的 16 分，他在自己首个季前赛中表现出色，本场比赛再次得分上双。
马拉基·布拉汉姆（Malaki Branham）和西迪·西索科（Sidy Cissoko）各为马刺队贡献了 15 分。
火箭队有六名球员得分上双，包括所有五名首发球员。
这其中就包括了第一节暂停时大屏幕上的主角申京。这一次，申京面对的是扎克·科林斯（Zach Collins）和桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利（Sandro Mamukelashvili），他砍下 21 分和 10 个篮板，为火箭队的胜利做出了贡献。
以下是马刺队在这场为下周对阵独行侠队的揭幕战做准备的比赛中，三点值得关注的地方：
- 马刺队在季前赛中谨慎的策略是否正确？
马刺队主教练格雷格·波波维奇（Gregg Popovich）在季前赛期间，将保持球员状态放在了培养化学反应之上。
马刺队在五场比赛中只有两场派出了他们可能的首发阵容（保罗、朱利安·尚帕尼（Julian Champagnie）、索汉、哈里森·巴恩斯（Harrison Barnes）和文班亚马）。
文班亚马只参加了两场比赛，总共上场 39 分钟。保罗参加了三场比赛。马刺队这两位最重要球员共同在场的分钟数非常有限。
唯一一场可以算得上是正式演练的比赛是周二在迈阿密以 117-120 输掉的比赛，当时马刺队的完整轮换阵容都已到位，但上半场却失误频频，表现糟糕。
人们不禁要问，一周后在达拉斯，马刺队会是什么样子？马刺队自己也想知道。
“现在还很难说，”科林斯说，“现在我们还有一周时间让那些家伙们恢复状态，一起进行训练。我认为我们会没事的。”
波波维奇对文班亚马一直非常小心，从 2023 年夏天（当时他正在随前东家参加法国联赛的季后赛）到 2024 年夏天（当时他正在随法国国家队参加奥运会），文班亚马几乎没有休息过。
马刺队想要让文班亚马以全新的状态开始新赛季，这是可以理解的。他们并不指望他一开始就能完全融入。
“我认为他在赛季初不会有很好的比赛节奏，”波波维奇说。
如果文班亚马需要利用常规赛的早期比赛来恢复状态，马刺队也完全可以接受。
- 火箭队提供了老将经验的成功范例
2023 年夏天，火箭队为这支联盟中最年轻的球队之一引进了两名经验丰富的老将，弗雷德·范弗利特（Fred VanVleet）和狄龙·布鲁克斯（Dillon Brooks）将成为更衣室里的老大哥。
马刺队希望他们在休赛期引进的老将也能起到类似的作用。
毫无疑问，保罗和巴恩斯在本赛季为马刺队带来了成熟的气息。
上赛季，范弗利特和布鲁克斯的到来为火箭队这支充满了年轻乐透秀的球队注入了老将的经验，帮助火箭队取得了比上赛季多赢 19 场比赛的进步。
2022-23 赛季，火箭队以 22 胜 60 负的战绩结束了赛季，与马刺队过去两个赛季的战绩相同。而一年后，火箭队取得了 41 胜 41 负的战绩。
从短期来看，如果保罗/巴恩斯的组合能够带来类似的提升，马刺队将会非常高兴。
但这两种情况之间也有一些区别。
火箭队为范弗利特提供了一份三年 1.3 亿美元的合同，为布鲁克斯提供了一份四年 8000 万美元的合同。
而马刺队只向保罗支付了 1040 万美元，并通过交易得到了巴恩斯价值 1800 万美元的合同。这两份合同都将在明年夏天到期。
简而言之，马刺队在没有花费巨资的情况下就引进了两位备受尊敬的老将。但这笔交易能否最终得到回报，还有待观察。
- 布拉汉姆的最后一搏（季前赛）可能还不够
布拉汉姆在整个季前赛的大部分时间里都在为一个轮换阵容的名额而战，而他更多的时候是被牢牢地按在了板凳席上。
在休斯顿，由于马刺队近一半的轮换球员缺阵，这位三年级后卫终于第一次进入了轮换阵容。
他的表现……还算可以。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫马拉基·布拉汉姆（Malaki Branham）（22 号）绕过休斯顿火箭队后卫里德·谢泼德（Reed Sheppard）（15 号）运球。
布拉汉姆的夜晚开局不利，在前 61 秒内连续投丢了三次。其中一次上篮被格林封盖，随后布拉汉姆又投出了一记三不沾。
布拉汉姆最终还是稳住了阵脚，在接下来的 11 次出手中命中了 6 球。其中很多球都是通过巧妙的切入篮下完成的上篮和扣篮。
布拉汉姆在他的前两个 NBA 赛季中首发了 61 场比赛，但在争夺替补后卫的竞争中，他似乎已经输给了 2023 届的同届新秀布雷克·韦斯利（Blake Wesley）。
周四的表现还算不错，但这可能还不足以改变布拉汉姆目前的处境。
在 2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫斯蒂芬·卡斯尔（Stephon Castle）（5 号）试图从休斯顿火箭队前锋阿门·汤普森（Amen Thompson）（1 号）和后卫里德·谢泼德（Reed Sheppard）（15 号）之间传球。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）背身投篮。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的特雷·琼斯（Tre Jones）（33 号）在下半场对阵休斯顿火箭队的弗雷德·范弗利特（Fred VanVleet）（5 号）时运球突破。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利（Sandro Mamukelashvili）（54 号）在对阵休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）时出手投篮。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的布雷克·韦斯利（Blake Wesley）（14 号）在下半场运球面对休斯顿火箭队的防守。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿门·汤普森（Amen Thompson）（1 号）在上半场从圣安东尼奥马刺队的桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利（Sandro Mamukelashvili）（54 号）头上跳投。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，休斯顿火箭队的弗雷德·范弗利特（Fred VanVleet）（5 号）在上半场运球面对圣安东尼奥马刺队的防守。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）在上半场隔扣圣安东尼奥马刺队的哈里森·巴恩斯（Harrison Barnes）（40 号）。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的特雷·琼斯（Tre Jones）（33 号）在下半场运球面对休斯顿火箭队的防守。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利（Sandro Mamukelashvili）（54 号）在对阵休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）时出手投篮。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场对阵休斯顿火箭队的季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队主教练格雷格·波波维奇（Gregg Popovich）在下半场观战。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，休斯顿火箭队的小贾巴里·史密斯（Jabari Smith Jr.）（10 号）在上半场隔扣圣安东尼奥马刺队的西迪·西索科（Sidy Cissoko）（25 号）。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）试图从圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利（Sandro Mamukelashvili）（54 号）手中抢断球。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）试图从圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利（Sandro Mamukelashvili）（54 号）和后卫小戴维·杜克（David Duke Jr.）（7 号）手中抢断球。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫西迪·西索科（Sidy Cissoko）（25 号）与休斯顿火箭队前锋小贾巴里·史密斯（Jabari Smith Jr.）（10 号）对抗。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队后卫杰伦·格林（Jalen Green）（4 号）试图将球救回界内。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队前锋狄龙·布鲁克斯（Dillon Brooks）（9 号）伸手去抢球。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队后卫杰伦·格林（Jalen Green）（4 号）和中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）防守圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫布雷克·韦斯利（Blake Wesley）（14 号）。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队主教练格雷格·波波维奇（Gregg Popovich）。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队中锋史蒂文·亚当斯（Steven Adams）（12 号）与圣安东尼奥马刺队中锋查尔斯·巴斯西（Charles Bassey）（28 号）和后卫斯蒂芬·卡斯尔（Stephon Castle）（5 号）争抢篮板。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋朱利安·尚帕尼（Julian Champagnie）（30 号）伸手去抢篮板。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队后卫杰伦·格林（Jalen Green）（4 号）在圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋扎克·科林斯（Zach Collins）（23 号）的防守下上篮。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队后卫杰伦·格林（Jalen Green）（4 号）在圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋哈里森·巴恩斯（Harrison Barnes）（40 号）的防守下上篮。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）与圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫马拉基·布拉汉姆（Malaki Branham）（22 号）对抗。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的下半场，休斯顿火箭队后卫杰伦·格林（Jalen Green）（4 号）防守圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫小戴维·杜克（David Duke Jr.）（7 号）。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的上半场，休斯顿火箭队后卫杰伦·格林（Jalen Green）（4 号）在圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋桑德罗·马穆克拉什维利（Sandro Mamukelashvili）（54 号）的防守下投篮。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的上半场，休斯顿火箭队前锋塔里·伊森（Tari Eason）（17 号）与圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫斯蒂芬·卡斯尔（Stephon Castle）（5 号）对抗。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的上半场，休斯顿火箭队前锋塔里·伊森（Tari Eason）（17 号）与圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫斯蒂芬·卡斯尔（Stephon Castle）（5 号）对抗。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的上半场，圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫马拉基·布拉汉姆（Malaki Branham）（22 号）绕过休斯顿火箭队中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）传球。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的上半场，休斯顿火箭队后卫弗雷德·范弗利特（Fred VanVleet）（5 号）与圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫特雷·琼斯（Tre Jones）（33 号）和前锋扎克·科林斯（Zach Collins）（23 号）对抗。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的上半场，休斯顿火箭队后卫弗雷德·范弗利特（Fred VanVleet）（5 号）与圣安东尼奥马刺队后卫特雷·琼斯（Tre Jones）（33 号）和前锋扎克·科林斯（Zach Collins）（23 号）对抗。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的上半场，休斯顿火箭队中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）与圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋扎克·科林斯（Zach Collins）（23 号）对抗。
2024 年 10 月 17 日星期四，在休斯顿丰田中心球馆进行的一场 NBA 篮球比赛的上半场，休斯顿火箭队中锋阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）在圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋朱利安·尚帕尼（Julian Champagnie）（30 号）的防守下上篮。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场对阵休斯顿火箭队的季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马（Victor Wembanyama）（1 号）（左）和凯尔登·约翰逊（Keldon Johnson）（0 号）在下半场坐在板凳席上。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的布兰登·波士顿（Brandon Boston Jr.）（4 号）在下半场对阵休斯顿火箭队的杰肖恩·泰特（Jae’Sean Tate）（8 号）时出手投篮。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京（Alperen Sengun）（28 号）在上半场对阵圣安东尼奥马刺队的哈里森·巴恩斯（Harrison Barnes）（40 号）时进攻篮筐。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，休斯顿火箭队的里德·谢泼德（Reed Sheppard）（15 号）在上半场对阵圣安东尼奥马刺队的马拉基·布拉汉姆（Malaki Branham）（22 号）时运球。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的哈里森·巴恩斯（Harrison Barnes）（40 号）和休斯顿火箭队的塔里·伊森（Tari Eason）（17 号）在上半场对抗。
2024 年 10 月 17 日，德克萨斯州休斯顿：在丰田中心球馆进行的一场季前赛中，休斯顿火箭队的弗雷德·范弗利特（Fred VanVleet）（5 号）在上半场对阵圣安东尼奥马刺队的扎克·科林斯（Zach Collins）（23 号）时出手投篮。
点击查看原文：3 takeaways as Spurs' final tune-up falls flat in Houston
3 takeaways as Spurs’ final tune-up falls flat in Houston
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets works to the basket against Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets game operations crew used the occasion of the first timeout in the first quarter Thursday to remind fans at the Toyota Center of an oldie but goodie.
The big screen on the scoreboard rolled film of Rockets big man Alperen Sengun and the 45-point beatdown he laid on Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs last season.
If Wembanyama and the Spurs are pining for revenge, it will have to wait for the regular season.
The NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year was one of a handful of key Spurs who did not suit up in a 129-107 loss to the Rockets in both teams’ preseason finales.
Jalen Green had 30 points and seven 3-pointers to lead the Rockets, who played Thursday’s game using something of a regular-season rotation.
The Spurs most certainly did not.
In addition to Wembanyama, the Spurs were without Chris Paul, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell.
Of that fivesome, only Vassell (foot) is expected to remain out when the Spurs open the regular season next Thursday at Dallas.
The skeleton crew Spurs were led by 16 points off the bench from rookie Stephon Castle, who completed a promising inaugural preseason with a double-digit outing.
Malaki Branham and Sidy Cissoko each added 15 points for the Spurs.
Houston had six players in double figures, including all five starters.
That included the star of the first-quarter timeout, Sengun. Bullying the likes of Zach Collins and Sandro Mamukelashvili this time, Sengun had 21 points and 10 rebounds to aid the Rockets’ cause.
Here are 3 takeaways from the Spurs’ not-to-polished tune-up for next week’s opener against the Mavericks:
1. Was the Spurs’ cautious approach to the preseason the correct one?
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich prioritized keeping players fresh over building chemistry during the preseason.
The Spurs fielded their probable opening night starting lineup (Paul, Julian Champagnie, Sochan, Harrison Barnes and Wembanyama) in only two of the five contests.
Wembanyama only played in two games, totaling 39 minutes. Paul played in three games. The minutes the Spurs’ two most important players shared on the court were limited.
The only game that counted for much of a dress rehearsal, with the Spurs’ full rotation active, produced a sloppy, turnover-filled first half in a 120-117 loss at Miami on Tuesday.
It is fair to wonder what the Spurs will look like a week from now in Dallas. The Spurs wonder it, too.
“It’s kind of hard to see,” Collins said. “Now we’ve got a week to get those guys right and get those reps all together. I think we’ll be good.”
Popovich has been most careful with Wembanyama, who from the summer of 2023 (when he was playing in the French League playoffs with his former team) through the summer of 2024 (when he was playing with the French national team at the Olympics) has barely had a break.
The Spurs understandably want Wembanyama fresh to begin the season. They don’t expect him to begin it in sync.
“I don’t think he’ll be in a great rhythm to start the season,” Popovich said.
If Wembanyama uses the early games of the regular season to work his way back into form, the Spurs are fine with that.
2. Rockets provide veteran blueprint
In the summer of 2023, the Rockets went out and added a pair of veteran voices to what was one of the youngest teams in the league, bringing in Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to be the adults in the room.
The Spurs hope their own offseason of the old heads serves a similar purpose.
Paul and Barnes have no doubt added a grown-up vibe to the Spurs’ proceedings this season.
With VanVleet and Brooks bringing a veteran presence to a roster loaded with young lottery picks last season, Houston saw a 19-win jump in its record.
In 2022-23, the Rockets finished 22-60, a record identical to the Spurs’ the past two seasons. A year later, Houston finished 41-41.
In the short-term, the Spurs would be happy with a similar boost from the Paul/Barnes combo.
There are some differences between the two situations.
The Rockets committed three-years and $130 million to VanVleet and four years and $80 million for Brooks.
The Spurs paid Paul $10.4 million and traded for Barnes’ $18 million contract. Both come off the books next summer.
In short, the Spurs were able to bring in a pair of well-respected veterans without breaking the bank. How it pays off remains to be seen.
3. Branham’s last (preseason) shot might not have been enough
Branham has spent the bulk of his preseason fighting for a rotation spot, when he wasn’t glued to the bench.
With nearly half the Spurs’ rotation sidelined in Houston, the third-year guard was inserted into the rotation for the first time.
He did … OK.
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) drives around Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Branham’s night began in ignominious fashion, with three missed shots in the first 61 seconds. One of those was a floater blocked by Green, which Branham followed with an airballed 3-point attempt.
Branham eventually settled down, making six of his final 11 shots. Many of them came on layups and dunks off deftly executed cuts to the basket.
Having started 61 games over his first two NBA seasons, Branham appeared to be losing ground to fellow 2023 draft classmate Blake Wesley in the battle for backup guard minutes.
Thursday’s performance was decent, but probably not enough to move the needle in Branham’s direction for now.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) tries to pass against Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) and guard Reed Sheppard (15) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) makes a basket from behind him during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Blake Wesley #14 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles down court against the Houston Rockets during the second half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets dribbles down court against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets slam dunks the ball over Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles down court against the Houston Rockets during the second half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the second half of a preseason game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets slam dunks the ball over Sidy Cissoko #25 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) tries to hang onto the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) tries to hang onto the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) and guard David Duke Jr. (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
San Antonio Spurs guard Sidy Cissoko (25) battles against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) tries to keep the ball inbound during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) reaches for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) and center Alperen Sengun (28) defend against San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) reaches for a rebound against San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey (28) and guard Stephon Castle (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) reaches for a rebound during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) goes up to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) goes up to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) battles with San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) defends against San Antonio Spurs guard David Duke Jr. (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) takes a shot against San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) battles San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) battles San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) passes the ball around Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) battles against San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) and forward Zach Collins (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) battles against San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones (33) and forward Zach Collins (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) works against San Antonio Spurs forward Zach Collins (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in Houston.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: (L-R) Victor Wembanyama #1 and Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs react from the bench during the second half of a preseason game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Brandon Boston Jr. #4 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Jae’Sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets goes up against Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets dribbles against Malaki Branham #22 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs and Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets battle during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 17: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets shoots against Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 17, 2024 in Houston, Texas.
By Jeff McDonald, Staff writer, via San Antonio Express-News