The Houston Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 109-105, at AT & T Center on Thursday night.

The Rockets (4-6) came into the contest with the odds significantly stacked against them, considering they'd just traded James Harden to the Nets and were also missing John Wall (knee). However, Houston played the first half as if they were perhaps benefitting from a bit of addition by subtraction, as they owned a 48-45 lead by halftime. However, the Spurs (6-6) were able to not only erase that deficit during the third quarter, but also boasting a four-point advantage. Nevertheless, the visitors battled back, and they finished the game on a 13-4 run over the final 3:13 to secure the win.

Christian Wood led the Rockets with 27 points, adding 15 rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Sterling Brown furnished 23 points, seven boards, three assists and two steals. Jaesean Tate tallied 13 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and two blocks. P.J. Tucker delivered 10 points, six boards, two assists and one steal. DeMarcus Cousins, David Nwaba and Mason Jones all contributed nine points.

Keldon Johnson paced the Spurs with 29 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Lonnie Walker offered 16 points, three boards and two assists. DeMar DeRozan compiled 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Devin Vassell managed 12 points, while LaMarcus Aldridge totaled 11 points, two rebounds and one assist. Dejounte Murray supplied 10 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and five steals.

The Rockets and Spurs reconvene for a rematch on Saturday afternoon.