Spurs vs Rockets: Houston Storms Back from 16 Down to Win 111–106
The Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning comeback victory on January 20, 2026, rallying from a 16-point hole to beat the San Antonio Spurs 111–106 in front of a raucous home crowd.
San Antonio controlled the game for three quarters and appeared on course for a road win, but everything unraveled in the final 12 minutes. Houston flipped the script with defensive pressure, energy, and a huge closing run — turning what looked like a Spurs win into one of the Rockets’ most impressive performances of the season.
First Half: Spurs Start Fast, Rockets Absorb the Punch
San Antonio came out firing in Spurs vs Rockets, playing with pace and confidence from the opening tip.
1st Quarter: Spurs 39 – 28 Rockets
The Spurs dropped 39 points in the opening period, knocking down threes, attacking the rim, and forcing Houston into early defensive rotations.
2nd Quarter: Spurs 31 – 32 Rockets
Houston steadied themselves in the second quarter, narrowly winning the period, but still trailed 70–60 at halftime.
San Antonio led by as many as 16 points, and at that stage the game looked firmly under their control. Live odds and in-game projections swung heavily toward the Spurs, who were scoring efficiently and limiting transition opportunities.
Third Quarter: Even Play, Spurs Still in Control
The third quarter didn’t feature fireworks, but it quietly set the stage for the comeback.
3rd Quarter: Spurs 22 – 22 Rockets
Both teams traded baskets, with San Antonio maintaining a 92–82 lead heading into the fourth.
Houston began to find more success running offense through Alperen Şengün at the elbow and high post, but the Spurs still looked comfortable with a double-digit advantage and 12 minutes to play.
Fourth Quarter: Rockets Dominate and Complete the Comeback
The final quarter completely flipped Spurs vs Rockets on its head.
4th Quarter: Rockets 29 – 14 Spurs
Houston outscored San Antonio 29–14, turning a 10-point deficit into a five-point victory.
What changed?
Alperen Şengün takes over
Şengün finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise and physicality. He punished mismatches inside, found cutters, and made the right reads as the Spurs’ defense collapsed.
Spurs’ offense disappears
After scoring freely for three quarters, San Antonio managed just 14 points in the fourth, settling for tough jumpers and committing costly turnovers.
Momentum and crowd energy
As Houston’s run built, Toyota Center came alive. The Rockets fed off the energy, while the Spurs rushed possessions and struggled to execute late.
The final five minutes featured multiple lead changes before Houston finally seized control and sealed the game at the free-throw line.
Key Stats: Spurs vs Rockets Breakdown
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Final Score: Rockets 111, Spurs 106
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Largest Spurs lead: 16 points
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Şengün: 20 PTS | 13 REB | 9 AST
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Rockets points in the paint: 50+
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Spurs scoring by quarter: 39 – 31 – 22 – 14
The numbers tell a clear story: dominant Spurs start, total fourth-quarter collapse, and a Rockets team that executed when it mattered most.
What This Result Means
For the Rockets
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Showed resilience after a disastrous first quarter
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Defensive adjustments changed the game
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Şengün continues to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone and a major NBA fantasy and player-prop factor
For the Spurs
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Blowing a 16-point road lead highlights late-game execution issues
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Fourth-quarter offense remains a concern
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Closing ability will continue to be a talking point in upcoming Spurs previews and analysis
Final Word — Sportsphere24 Updates
Spurs vs Rockets will be remembered as a textbook NBA comeback — one team tightening up when it mattered most, the other completely losing rhythm under pressure.
Houston’s fourth-quarter surge sent a message about their growth and resilience. For San Antonio, it was a painful reminder that games aren’t won until the final buzzer.