It was a night to remember in San Antonio, as the Spurs delivered a statement victory over their in-state rivals, the Houston Rockets, with a 121–110 win in the NBA Cup opener on Friday.

The win was driven by an all-around team performance led by Harrison Barnes, who scored 24 points, and the sensational rookie Victor Wembanyama, who added 22 points, matching teammate Julian Champagnie’s output. The Spurs ended Houston’s five-game winning streak and made it clear that this young squad is finding its rhythm early in the season.

“We stayed disciplined and trusted our system,” Barnes said post-game. “This team is growing every night, and wins like this show what we’re capable of.”

Barnes Leads from the Front

Barnes capped off a stellar performance with the game’s final four points — two free throws and a breakaway dunk after stealing the ball near midcourt with just 12 seconds left. His leadership and composure sealed the Spurs’ victory after the Rockets tried to close the gap in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Julian Champagnie caught fire late in the game, hitting six 3-pointers on 13 attempts and scoring nine points in the final quarter alone. His defensive hustle was equally impactful — grabbing a crucial offensive rebound and later scooping up a loose ball that helped maintain the Spurs’ seven-point lead.

Wembanyama Overcomes Early Pressure

The Rockets’ defense came out swinging early, sending Josh Okogie and Reed Sheppard to body up Wembanyama and push him off position. The 7-foot-4 phenom struggled initially, scoring just four points on 2-of-6 shooting in the first half.

But as the game wore on, Wembanyama’s versatility and confidence began to show. He adjusted to Houston’s physicality, hitting mid-range jumpers, attacking the rim, and making key defensive plays in the paint. His second-half surge highlighted why he’s already being viewed as the future face of the NBA.

“Victor’s presence changes everything — he’s learning fast,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “What impressed me most wasn’t his scoring, but his resilience.”

Houston’s Momentum Stopped

For Houston, it was a frustrating night. Kevin Durant (yes, now donning Rockets colors this season) scored 24 points, while Alperen Şengün added 22. Despite their strong start, the Rockets fell apart late in the second quarter when San Antonio went on a 12–0 run, fueled by five turnovers in the final two minutes.

During that stretch, Devin Vassell nailed a 3-pointer and rookie Stephon Castle completed a three-point play. A visibly frustrated Durant was also called for his third personal foul after shoving Barnes — a moment that shifted the game’s energy.

Group C Dynamics

This matchup marked the first NBA Cup game for both franchises, placing them in West Group C alongside Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors.

Both teams entered the night with 5–2 records, though their journeys had been contrasting — San Antonio started the season with five straight wins before cooling off, while Houston began with two losses before rallying to five consecutive victories.

The Spurs now move to 6–2, while the Rockets drop to 5–3.

What’s Next

• Rockets: travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Sunday.
• Spurs: host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday at Frost Bank Center.

The early-season NBA Cup games are setting an intense tone, and this Texas showdown showed just how competitive the new format can be. With Barnes’ leadership and Wembanyama’s evolution, the Spurs may just be the dark horses no one saw coming.