马刺 vs 火箭 101 - 106 技术统计 | 视频集锦
By Jeff McDonald, Staff writer | San Antonio Express-News (SAEN), 2024-10-28 23:39:48
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28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的凯尔登·约翰逊在对阵休斯顿火箭队的上半场比赛中出现失误后做出反应。
周一，随着终场哨声响起，马刺以101-106负于休斯顿火箭，但杰里米·索汉(Jeremy Sochan)显然还没结束。
显然，弗雷德·范弗利特(Fred VanVleet)也是如此。
在双方球员陆续进入霜冻银行中心的更衣室时，索汉和范弗利特仍然喋喋不休，直到被工作人员分开。这已经是两队12天内的第三次交锋，包括在休斯顿举行的一场季前赛。
在三个NBA赛季中经历过许多类似时刻的索汉对此事轻描淡写。
“只是在场上充满竞争性，”这位马刺前锋说。“事情就是这样。”
比赛结束后，弗雷德·范弗利特和杰里米·索汉发生了口角。 pic.twitter.com/YFtOSWOCCU
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ ohnohedidnt24) 2024年10月29日
范弗利特同样拒绝就这场争吵的细节发表评论。
不过有一点似乎是肯定的：这两支球队已经受够了彼此，都准备好面对其他对手了。
凭借杰伦·格林（Jalen Green）火热的手感（36分，7个三分球），火箭队一度领先21分。在比赛的关键时刻，小贾巴里·史密斯(Jabari Smith Jr.)和范弗利特及时得分，帮助火箭队稳住阵脚，最终成功复仇两晚前在同一块场地上以106-109输掉的比赛。
周一的比赛与周六的比赛仿佛是照片的正反面。周六的比赛中，马刺一度领先22分，并最终艰难地保住了胜利，取得了赛季首胜（至少目前是唯一一场）。
“我们上半场打得不好，但下半场我们卷土重来，打得更好了，”马刺主教练格雷格·波波维奇(Gregg Popovich)说。
索汉以22分和9个篮板领衔马刺，而身体略感不适的维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)在经历了前三节的低迷后，最终得到14分、20个篮板和4次盖帽。这标志着他职业生涯第三次单场抢下20个篮板。
马刺队在比赛中从未领先过，但在比赛还剩8分08秒时，他们将比分差距缩小到2分。比赛还剩3分17秒时，他们仍然落后3分。
在最后一分钟，火箭队以101-93领先，似乎已经胜券在握。克里斯·保罗(Chris Paul)在火箭队的塔里·伊森(Tari Eason)对他的落地空间犯规后，获得了一次“3+1”的机会，这给了马刺队新的生命。
在保罗罚球命中后，文班亚马紧随其后跳投得分，这次六分球帮助马刺在比赛还剩41.1秒时将比分追至99-101。
在火箭队的下一次进攻中，由于马刺队选择包夹格林，范弗利特获得了空位机会。他在三分线外一箭穿心，杀死了比赛。
以下是马刺输掉这场比赛后的三个关键点，这场失利也使得他们的战绩跌至1胜2负：
- 索汉在本赛季开始后就展现出了极强的侵略性
在索汉第三个赛季的前三场比赛中，包括在达拉斯的一场恶意犯规，在对阵休斯顿的第一场比赛中，他介入了文班亚马和狄龙·布鲁克斯(Dillon Brooks)的冲突，在周一的比赛中与史密斯发生双技术犯规，以及终场哨响后的“加时赛”。
当被问及是否将与火箭队的各种来回较量放在心上时，索汉耸了耸肩。
“从来没有，从来没有，”索汉说。“但他们却把这些事放在心上。”
对马刺来说更重要的是，索汉在进攻端也极具威胁。
周一的比赛过后，他本赛季的场均得分达到了17.5分。此外，他还场均贡献9个篮板和2.5次助攻。
与此同时，他与文班亚马的二人配合也以意想不到的方式进行着。在周一的比赛中，这位身高7英尺3英寸的中锋两次助攻索汉完成空中接力。
“他在场上倾尽了全力，”波波维奇说。
所有这一切都是在不断地挑衅火箭队的同时完成的？马刺队对此表示欢迎。
- 文班与火箭队的对抗，还有感冒
对文班亚马来说，周一的比赛开局并不顺利。
他在进入第四节前只得到5分。如果他继续保持这个状态，这将是他职业生涯的最低得分。
这位马刺队的球星在最后一节打出了一些球星级别的表现，帮助马刺将火箭逼入绝境。文班亚马仅在最后一节就得到9分、抢下10个篮板和送出1次盖帽，挽救了他的数据统计。
尽管数据还不错，但文班亚马的开局效率并不高。他在49次投篮中只命中了21球，在18次三分球出手中只命中了4球。
在周一的比赛中，文班亚马只获得了一次罚球机会，并且两罚一中。
“我没事，”他说。“我的状态很好。现在只是需要重新适应比赛的节奏。”
值得赞扬的是，火箭队让文班亚马在周一打得很辛苦。而他的免疫系统可能也是他开局慢热的原因之一。
在赛后新闻发布会上，文班亚马明显有些鼻塞，他不得不频繁地停止讲话来清嗓子，或者对着自己的衬衫咳嗽。
“我想我只是在适应旅行的节奏以及诸如此类的事情，”文班亚马说。“我只是感觉有点不舒服。”
- 见证马拉基·布拉纳姆的复苏
这位三年级后卫在马刺对阵达拉斯的赛季揭幕战中并没有进入轮换阵容，但在那场比赛中，特雷·琼斯(Tre Jones)的受伤为他赢得了替补出场时间。
布拉纳姆很好地抓住了这次机会。
在周一比赛中，他替补出场17分钟，得到15分，并且是马刺第四节反击的关键人物。
而就在两晚前对阵火箭队的比赛中，布拉纳姆也稳扎稳打地打了14分钟，贡献了14分。
在过去的这两场比赛中，布拉纳姆14投8中，总共得到22分。
“他一直很职业，”波波维奇说。“他在训练和投篮训练中都做了他应该做的事情。他一上场就做好了准备。他是一个很有风度的人。”
一旦马刺队恢复到完全健康的状态，布拉纳姆很可能会被重新雪藏，但他在享受着这一切。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的塔里·伊森从圣安东尼奥马刺队的斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)手中抢断。
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2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马在上半场试图从休斯顿火箭队的弗雷德·范弗利特头上投篮。
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2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京(Alperen Sengun)在上半场突破圣安东尼奥马刺队的哈里森·巴恩斯的防守。
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2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的杰里米·索汉在上半场从休斯顿火箭队的塔里·伊森面前抢下篮板。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的扎克·科林斯(Zach Collins)与休斯顿火箭队的史蒂文·亚当斯(Steven Adams)争夺一个地板球。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿门·汤普森(Amen Thompson)在上半场晃过圣安东尼奥马刺队的朱利安·尚帕尼(Julian Champagne)。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿门·汤普森在上半场突破圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马的防守。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京在上半场试图在圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马面前投篮。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马在上半场对阵休斯顿火箭队的比赛中伸手去够一个地板球。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的哈里森·巴恩斯和杰里米·索汉在上半场与休斯顿火箭队的贾巴里·史密斯争夺一个地板球。
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队前锋维克托·文班亚马(1号)在下半场得分后庆祝。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿门·汤普森在上半场与圣安东尼奥马刺队的扎克·科林斯争夺篮板。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的杰伦·格林在下半场被圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马和其他防守球员包围。
2024年10月28日，德克萨斯州圣安东尼奥：在圣安东尼奥霜冻银行中心举行的比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的杰伦·格林在下半场对阵圣安东尼奥马刺队的比赛中被队友狄龙·布鲁克斯(9号)祝贺。
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2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马(1号)在上半场对阵休斯顿火箭队的贾巴里·史密斯(10号)和狄龙·布鲁克斯。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
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2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的杰里米·索汉在上半场对阵休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京(28号)。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马(左中)在上半场盖掉了休斯顿火箭队的贾巴里·史密斯(10号)的投篮。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队主教练格雷格·波波维奇(右)在上半场与马刺队后卫克里斯·保罗(左)交谈。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的扎克·科林斯在上半场扣篮。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的杰伦·格林在上半场投进一个三分球后庆祝。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马(1号)在下半场从休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京(28号)面前抢下篮板，马刺队的杰里米·索汉(左)在一旁观看。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马(1号)在下半场被休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京(右中)犯规。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马(1号)在下半场被休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京(28号)犯规。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿尔佩伦·申京(28号)在下半场对阵圣安东尼奥马刺队的布雷克·韦斯利(Blake Wesley)(14号)。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马(左中)在下半场对阵休斯顿火箭队的狄龙·布鲁克斯(右中)。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的杰伦·格林(4号)在下半场面对圣安东尼奥马刺队的马拉基·布拉纳姆(22号)和凯尔登·约翰逊的防守传球。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的杰伦·格林(4号)在下半场面对圣安东尼奥马刺队的斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(5号)和维克托·文班亚马(1号)的防守投篮。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，休斯顿火箭队的阿门·汤普森在下半场对阵圣安东尼奥马刺队的哈里森·巴恩斯(40号)。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马(1号)在下半场对阵休斯顿火箭队的弗雷德·范弗利特(5号)。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
2024年10月28日，星期一，在圣安东尼奥举行的一场NBA篮球比赛中，圣安东尼奥马刺队的维克托·文班亚马在下半场投进一个三分球后庆祝。（美联社照片/达伦·阿巴特）
点击查看原文：3 Takeaways as Spurs and Rockets get chippy
3 Takeaways as Spurs and Rockets get chippy
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Keldon Johnson #0 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after a turnover against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
The final horn sounded on the Spurs’ 106-101 defeat against Houston on Monday, but Jeremy Sochan was not done.
Apparently, neither was Fred VanVleet.
As players filed to the Frost Bank Center locker rooms after the teams’ third meeting in 12 days, including one preseason affair in Houston, Sochan and VanVleet kept jawing until they had to be separated.
Having been in the middle of many such moments during his three NBA seasons, Sochan downplayed the incident.
“Just being competitive,” the Spurs forward said. “It is what it is.”
Fred Van VanVleet had some words for Jeremy Sochan after the gamepic.twitter.com/YFtOSWOCCU
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ ohnohedidnt24) October 29, 2024
VanVleet likewise declined to comment on the specifics of the brouhaha.
This much appears certain, though: These teams are sick of each other and ready to face someone else.
The Rockets built a 21-point lead behind the sizzling shooting of Jalen Green (36 points, seven 3-pointers), then held on through some tense moments thanks to timely baskets from Jabari Smith Jr. and VanVleet to avenge a 109-106 loss two nights earlier in the same building.
Monday’s game was a photo negative on Saturday’s, when the Spurs grabbed a 22-point lead and hung on for dear life to claim their first and (for now) only victory of the season.
“We didn’t play well in the first half, but we came back in the second half and did some better things,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.
Sochan led the Spurs with 22 points and nine rebounds, while a somewhat ailing Victor Wembanyama shook off a slow three quarters to end with 14 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks. It marked the third 20-rebound performance of his career.
The Spurs, who never led, cut Houston’s advantage to two points with 8:08 remaining. With 3:17 to go, they were still within three points.
The Rockets seemed to have the game in hand, up 101-93 in the final minute. A four-point play from Chris Paul, which included a flagrant foul on the Rockets’ Tari Eason for crowding his landing area, handed the Spurs new life.
Wembanyama followed Paul’s free throw with a jumper, and that six-point possession drew the Spurs within 101-99 with 41.1 seconds to go.
VanVleet sprung free on the Rockets’ next trip, as the Spurs left him to double-team Green. He swished a top-of-the-arc 3-pointer to ice the game.
Here are three takeaways from Monday’s loss, which dropped the Spurs to 1-2:
1. Sochan has been a menace to start the season
The first three games of Sochan’s third season have included a flagrant foul in Dallas, an incident in the first game against Houston in which he inserted himself into a Wembanyama-Dillon Brooks dust-up, a double technical situation with Smith in Monday’s game, plus the extracurriculars after the final horn.
Asked if he takes the back-and-forth with various Rockets personally, Sochan shrugged.
“Never that, never that,” Sochan said. “They do, though.”
More importantly for the Spurs, Sochan has been a menace at making basketball plays as well.
Monday’s performance brought his season scoring average to 17.5 points per game. He is averaging nine rebounds and 2.5 assists.
His two-man game with Wembanyama, meanwhile, is working in unexpected ways. Twice on Monday, it was the 7-foot-3 center who found Sochan for alley-oop baskets.
“He leaves his heart on the court,” Popovich said.
All this while single-handedly getting under the Rockets’ skin? The Spurs will take it.
2. Wemby fighting the Rockets, sniffles
Monday’s game got off to another rough start for Wembanyama.
He had five points heading into the fourth quarter. Had he stayed there, it would have been a career-low.
The Spurs’ star did some star-turning things in the final frame to help the Spurs push Houston to the limit. Wembanyama had nine points, 10 rebounds and block in the final frame alone to salvage his box score.
Though the raw numbers have been solid, Wembanyama is not off to the most efficient start. He has made 21 of 49 field goals, and only 4 of 18 from 3-point range.
On Monday, Wembanyama only managed one trip to the foul line and split a pair of free throws.
“I’m OK,” he said. “I’m in shape. Now it’s just getting used to playing again.”
Credit the Rockets for making Wembanyama labor Monday. His immune system might have had something to do with his slow start too.
Wembanyama was clearly congested in his postgame news conference, and frequently had to stop talking to clear his throat or cough into his shirt.
“I think I’m just getting used to the rhythm of traveling and things like that,” Wembanyama said. “I’m just feeling under the weather.”
3. Witness the resurrection of Malaki Branham
The third-year guard was not in the playing rotation when the Spurs opened the season at Dallas, but an injury to Tre Jones in that game has opened up minutes on the second unit.
Branham has done well with the opportunity.
He had 15 points in 17 minutes off the bench Monday, and was a critical driver behind the Spurs’ fourth-quarter comeback.
That came two nights after Branham provided 14 steady minutes in the previous game against the Rockets.
In the past two outings, Branham has combined for 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting.
“He’s been a pro,” Popovich said. “He’s done what he needed to do at practice and shootarounds. He came in and was ready to go. A class act.”
In all likelihood, Branham will be mothballed once the Spurs return to full health, but he’s enjoying the ride while it lasts.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets steals the ball from Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks the shot of Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green (4) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, greets Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama as he walks off of the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass over Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs objects to his turnover against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks shoot of Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket past Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets scores over the San Antonio Spurs defenders in the second half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs grabs a rebound in front of Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs battles Steven Adams #12 of the Houston Rockets for a loose ball in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets moves by Julian Champagne #30 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets tries to shoot in front of Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reaches for a loose ball against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Harrison Barnes #40 and Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs scramble for a loose ball against Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets battles Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs for a rebound in the first half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets is surrounded by Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and other defenders in the second half at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 28: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets is congratulated by teammate Dillon Brooks #9 in the second half in game against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on October 28, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas.
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama goes to the basket against Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) goes to the basket against Houston Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and Dillon Brooks during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Chris Paul, right, drives against Houston Rockets’ Fred Van Vleet (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan shoots against Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (28) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, center left, blocks a shot attempt by Houston Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, speaks with Spurs guard Chris Paul, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Zach Collins dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green celebrates after a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) grabs a rebound ahead of Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (28) as Spurs’ Jeremy Sochan, left, watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) is fouled by Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun, center right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) is fouled by Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (28) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (28) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs’ Blake Wesley (14) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, center left, shoots against Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks, center right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green (4) passes as he is defended by San Antonio Spurs’ Malaki Branham (22) and Keldon Johnson during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green (4) shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ sStephon Castle (5) and Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Houston Rockets’ Amen Thompson shoots against San Antonio Spurs’ Harrison Barnes (40) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) drives against Houston Rockets’ Fred Van Vleet (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama celebrates a three-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
By Jeff McDonald, Staff writer, via San Antonio Express-News
