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01/20 22:06 CST Sengun just misses triple-double and powers Rockets' comeback
win over Spurs
Sengun just misses triple-double and powers Rockets' comeback win over Spurs
By KRISTIE RIEKEN
AP Sports Writer
HOUSTON (AP) --- Alperen Sengun had 20 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists to
help the Houston Rockets rally for a 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs
on Tuesday night.
Reed Sheppard scored 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and Kevin Durant
added 18 points to help the Rockets to their third straight victory.
Tipoff was delayed by 22 minutes after a player bent one of the rims during
warmups and it had to be replaced.
The Rockets trailed by as many as 16 and were down by 10 before opening the
fourth quarter with a big run to close the gap.
The game was tied with about two minutes to play when Sheppard blocked a
3-point attempt by Julian Champagnie. Jabari Smith Jr. put the Rockets on top
106-104 with a fadeaway shot a few seconds later.
Sengun made a basket with about 30 seconds left to extend the lead to 108-104
before Stephon Castle missed a 3-point attempt. Sheppard added two free throws
after that to seal the victory.
Champagnie made eight 3-pointers and led the Spurs with 27 points on a night
Victor Wembanyama was held to 14 points with 10 rebounds. Champagnie's
performance came after he set the franchise record by sinking 11 3-pointers in
a win over the Knicks on Dec. 31.
Houston trailed by five midway through the fourth before Sheppard scored all of
the team's points during an 8-2 run that put the Rockets on top 101-100 with
about four minutes to go.
The Spurs led by 10 entering the fourth before Houston scored the first nine
points of the quarter, with a 3 from Sheppard, to cut the lead to 92-91 with
about 9 minutes to play. Dylan Harper scored San Antonio's first points of
the quarter with about 7 minutes to go.
Up next Spurs: Visit Utah on Thursday night. Rockets: Visit Philadelphia on Thursday night. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA |
