January 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembayama (1) battle for a loose ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images There is no doubt that the San Antonio Spurs are ahead of schedule in their return to the top tier of the NBA, moving toward the top of the Western Conference as the season enters the fourth quarter.
But what about the Houston Rockets, who were expected to be contenders this season but have underperformed?
Those differences will be on display when the Spurs and Rockets face off in San Antonio on Sunday in a clash between the Lone Star State rivals.
San Antonio is in second place in the West behind defending league champion Oklahoma City. The team has 19 contests remaining and 6 1/2 games remaining against third-place Houston.
The Spurs returned to the court on Friday following a 116-112 comeback win at home against the Los Angeles Clippers. San Antonio, playing for the second straight home game, came back from a 25-point deficit in the third quarter and outscored the Clippers in a contest that saw seven lead changes over the final 7:11.
Victor Wembanyama had 27 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots and Julian Champagnie added 20 points, 17 of which came in a pivotal third quarter as the Spurs pulled off their biggest upset of the season and their third straight win and 14th win in their last 15 games.
“For the second night of back-to-back games, the guys were bumping into each other,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said after the win. “The competitive reactions and personalities of people trying to overcome mental, physical and emotional exhaustion and actually come together are commendable.”
“(My) favorite part is that we faced very different challenges in the last two games, and we were able to answer the call in every one of them,” Wembanyama said.
De’Aaron Fox had 19 points for San Antonio (17 after halftime), Devin Vassell had 11 and Keldon Johnson and Luke Kornet added 10 each.
Coach Johnson praised Fox’s efforts in helping the Spurs hang on. Fox played all 12 minutes in the final period, scoring 10 points and giving up 6 assists.
“(Fox) has taken control of the game in the way he manages and directs,” Johnson said. “That man was truly a monster.”
The Rockets have bounced between wins and losses over their last five games and travel to the Alamo City after a 106-99 home win over Portland on Friday. Alperen Sengun scored a game-high 28 points on 11 of 11 shooting in the win, while Amen Thompson scored 26 points and made 11 of 12 shooting to power a crucial fourth-quarter rally.
“Teams knew I was trying to get to the rim and they backed me up,” Thompson said. “So I had to work on it. I feel like I’ve been good at getting to it. I’m not trying to force the issue and get to the rim. I’m just taking what the defense gives me.”
Kevin Durant added 20 points and eight rebounds and Reed Shepard scored 17 points for Houston, which bounced back from an overtime loss in Game 2 at home against Golden State on Thursday.
“We wanted to get that taste out of our mouths starting (Thursday) night, and at least play with the right effort, play for the right purpose and catch the trend,” Houston coach Ime Udoka said.
The Spurs have won two of their first three games against Houston this season, most recently a 111-99 win on Jan. 28.
–Field level media
