Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Sengun just misses triple-double and powers Rockets’ comeback win over Spurs

Sengun just misses triple-double and powers Rockets' comeback win over Spurs | iNFOnews.ca
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Houston, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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 1/2 minutes to play. Dylan Harper scored San Antonio’s first points of the quarter with about 7 1/2 minutes to go.

Up next

Spurs: Visit Utah on Thursday night.

Rockets: Visit Philadelphia on Thursday night.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Sengun just misses triple-double and powers Rockets' comeback win over Spurs | iNFOnews.ca
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Sengun just misses triple-double and powers Rockets' comeback win over Spurs | iNFOnews.ca
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Sengun just misses triple-double and powers Rockets' comeback win over Spurs | iNFOnews.ca
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Sengun just misses triple-double and powers Rockets' comeback win over Spurs | iNFOnews.ca
Crews replace a damaged hoop before an NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets in Houston, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

Kristie Rieken

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles