Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

Takeaways: Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore rally Rockets past Spurs

Amen Thompson Rockets Cam Whitmore Spurs Alperen Sengun Fred VanVleet Houston (Organization) Itamar Jalen Green Dillon Brooks

In the first of two straight exhibitions between the in-state rivals, the Rockets were largely outplayed by the Spurs over Monday’s first three quarters. But led by a pair of 2023 rookies, Houston won the fourth quarter by a 23-point margin in a 99-89 win (box score).

With Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore leading the way, Houston improved to 3-0 in the NBA’s 2023-24 preseason. Despite leading most of the way, San Antonio fell to 1-2.

Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Tre Jones sat out for the Spurs as part of planned maintenance. Jalen Green (toenail) and Tari Eason (rest) were held out for the Rockets.

Without Green to carry the scoring and playmaking load, it was a struggle for many of Houston’s starters in San Antonio. Alperen Sengun had just 3 points on 1-of-8 shooting (12.5%), while Jabari Smith Jr. had 9 points and 9 rebounds while making 3-of-8 shots (37.5%). Dillon Brooks scored 10 points on 2-of-8 shooting (25.0%).

Zach Collins, San Antonio’s starting center, outplayed Sengun and led the Spurs with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. He connected on 8-of-10 shots (80.0%) overall and 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%).

But Houston’s two first-round rookies picked up the slack. Thompson had 15 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 21 minutes, shooting 6-of-13 overall (46.2%) and 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%). Whitmore had 15 points and 4 rebounds in 24 minutes and was part of a closing lineup that took over down the stretch for the Rockets.

Here are highlights and interviews from Monday night, along with reaction by media members and fans. Houston will continue its exhibition slate Wednesday in San Antonio with a rematch versus the Spurs, who are likely to have Wembanyama available.

Oct. 16 Rockets-Spurs reaction

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Kangaroo on the loose in Texas after escaping enclosure
Rowdy’s owner said the missing marsupial is not aggressive and will not hurt anyone, but will likely only come to her voice
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Dozens of people get the stomach flu at expensive LA Times restaurant event
‘It was pretty painful, probably the most painful experience I have ever had’
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Experts warn the keto and paleo diets come with more risks than benefits
Experts offer their insight of these popular low-carb diets to help you decide what's best for your health.
Fortune
Fortune
New “Throning” Dating Trend Is Driving People Crazy: “Whatever Happened To Love?”
"Throning," a trend among Gen Z, involves dating for social status rather than genuine connection, potentially leading to misunderstandings. The post New “Throning” Dating Trend Is Driving People Crazy: “Whatever Happened To Love?” first appeared on Bored Panda.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
The ‘choking game’ and other challenges amplified by social media can come with deadly consequences
The “choking game” has potentially deadly consequences, as players are challenged to temporarily strangle themselves by restricting oxygen to the brain. It sounds terrifying, but rough estimates suggest that about 10% of U.S. teenagers may have played this type of game at least once.
The Conversation
The Conversation
Takeaways from AP’s reporting on young nuns
Fewer than 1% of nuns in the U.S. today are under 30
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play