Keldon Johnson scored 32 factors and the San Antonio Spurs snapped an 11-game shedding streak by beating the Houston Rockets 118-109 on Thursday evening.
Johnson made his first 9 pictures and his first three 3-pointers in serving to San Antonio win for the primary time since Nov. 11.
Tre Jones had a career-high 26 factors and reserves Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson added 12 factors apiece.
Rookie Jabari Smith Jr. scored 23 factors for Houston. Alperen Sengun added 16 factors and 11 rebounds, with all 5 Rockets starters scoring in double figures.
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich returned after lacking the earlier two video games with what the crew termed a “minor medical procedure.”
McDermott, Richardson, and Romeo Langford additionally returned, however the Spurs have been with out starters Jakob Poeltl, Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell.
Rockets coach Stephen Silas stated the matchup between the Western Conference’s worst two information can be a “battle of young, inconsistent, hard-playing guys.”
Johnson proved to be the distinction.
He went 5 for five to open the sport after struggling for a lot of the previous month. The Spurs rode Johnson’s sizzling begin, capturing 12 for 19 in taking a 24-21 lead.
Malaki Branham sandwiched a 3-pointer between a pair of 3s by Johnson because the Spurs rallied for a 68-65 lead 4 minutes into the second half. San Antonio was 8 for 14 on 3-pointers in constructing a 14-point lead within the third quarter.
San Antonio prolonged their result in 20 factors halfway by means of the ultimate interval.
TIP-INS
Rockets: Houston opens a season-high, seven-game homestand Sunday in opposition to Milwaukee. The homestand ends Dec. 23 in opposition to Dallas. … Josh Christopher was initially dominated out however was upgraded to accessible previous to the sport. Christopher has a bruised left foot. He had two factors in 5 minutes. … G Daishen Nix acquired a technical foul with 1.1 seconds remaining within the third quarter following a Spurs turnover.
Spurs: San Antonio has performed 15 of its 25 video games with out not less than one participant from its opening evening beginning lineup of Johnson, Jones, Vassell, Sochan and Poeltl. … The Spurs ae 1-15 when trailing after the primary quarter. … C Zach Collins whiplashed and smacked the again of his head after tumbling to the court docket whereas unsuccessfully making an attempt to dam Sengun’s one-handed dunk. Sengun’s dunk was nullified by an offensive foul, which was upheld by video overview. … Rookie Blake Wesley is nearing a return after being out since Nov. 1 Grade 3 left MCL sprain. Wesley has been working towards 3-on-3 with the crew.
UP NEXT
Rockets: Host Milwaukee on Sunday.
Spurs: At Miami on Saturday.
