Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks in a 111-99 comeback victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Spurs erased a 16-point deficit, taking control late in the third quarter and dominating the fourth behind Wembanyama’s presence on both ends.
Asked about replicating his fourth-quarter defense, Wembanyama said, “That’s always the goal… 13 points in the fourth quarter… the game is not going to end with 52 points, but it’s the goal to get closer and also reduce the less good stints.”
He acknowledged the intensity of facing Houston. “I think teams in general don’t like playing against them and we’re not an exception… it’s a compliment that people don’t like playing against them,” Wembanyama said.
On breaking through Houston’s defensive plans, he credited effort and preparation. “Activity, physicality, pace… this comes with physical preparation… we always need to channel that at any game,” he explained, noting the benefit of having two days off prior to the matchup.
Wembanyama praised the team’s patience during the comeback. “It never really felt like it was a disaster, even when we were down double digits… we didn’t try to rush and we didn’t overreact,” he said.
He also reflected on his box score and versatility. “I didn’t make it three tonight and I finished… but it’s still impactful. The day I get eight threes, it’s going to be an amazing night,” Wembanyama said.
Highlighting the contagious nature of momentum, he added, “Things like that are contagious and we need to emphasize them… one of the main reasons we won is because we were first to hit on every position in the second half.”
Wembanyama praised teammate Stephon Castle for his defensive contributions. “That’s his worth… he can shut down guys, and he did tonight… having a guy so good on both sides of the floor, it’s amazing,” he said.
On diving for a loose ball late in the game, Wembanyama said, “If ever there’s a challenge and the ball went out of bounds, it might be something… I touch it early enough and there’s a challenge, we win it, we get the ball.”
San Antonio’s win improved its record to 32-15, holding second in the Western Conference. De’Aaron Fox added 18 points and eight assists, while Castle scored 16 points with six assists and five rebounds. Keldon Johnson and Dylan Harper provided key support off the bench.
Houston, led by Amen Thompson’s 25 points and Kevin Durant’s 24, fell to 28-17 after struggling against the Spurs’ interior defense. Alperen Sengun posted 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, but Houston could not maintain its early advantage.
San Antonio travels to Charlotte on Saturday, while Houston begins a road trip Thursday at Atlanta.
