AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Amen Thompson blocked Victor Wembanyama’s game-tying layup attempt with less than a second remaining and the Houston Rockets held on to beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-110 on Friday night.

Fred VanVleet made two free throws for the final points after Thompson turned away the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama in the lane as the Rockets started their season with two victories.

Kevin Durant had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a homecoming game for the former University of Texas star. Thompson had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Wembanyama had 25 points and 13 rebounds but San Antonio fell to 0-2. He banked in a long 3-pointer on the possession before the 6-7 Thompson’s block, but it didn’t count because Spurs coach Mitch Johnson had called timeout with 5 seconds left before Wembanyama released the ball.

Alperen Sengun scored 29 points, including eight straight in the fourth quarter, for the Rockets. The 6-11, 243-pound Sengun muscled his way inside to create layups and free throws.

Amen Thompson blocks Wembanyama in final second as the Rockets beat the Spurs 114-110 in Austin | iNFOnews.ca — Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Austin, Texas, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)

The Spurs consider Austin part of a mega region that they’ve cultivated for several years. They have played games here every season since 2022-23, a total of nine. Two more are scheduled for February.

Though it was a Spurs home game, Durant had his share of fans. He was national college player of the year for Texas in 2006-07. Durant made a critical 3-point shot with 1:34 remaining.

Dylan Harper had 20 points, including a driving dunk that left the Spurs trailing by two with 46 seconds left.

VanVleet made a long 3-pointer just ahead of the halftime buzzer to tie the game at 59. Before that, the Spurs scored nine points in three possessions starting at the 1:21 mark. Wembanyama made a three-point play inside, Julian Champagnie hit a corner 3, and Wembanyama elevated to convert a pass from Stephon Castle into dunk while getting fouled.

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