In search of extending the impact of their determined showing against the Phoenix Suns, a physical matchup on Saturday resulted in a rare triumph for Houston on the road while showcasing the team’s resilience.

The Rockets maintained their fierce approach in the initial half of a consecutive home game on Tuesday, prevailing over the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 114-101 by containing Spurs’ rookie standout Victor Wembanyama.

Led by Dillon Brooks, who overcame a significant height difference, the Rockets limited Wembanyama to 10 points on 10 field goal attempts, keeping him scoreless in the second half.

Facing the Los Angeles Clippers next, the Rockets leaned on Alperen Sengun on the offensive end, with Sengun achieving personal bests in points (45), steals (five), and securing 16 rebounds.

“(Sengun) and a bunch of others guarding exceptionally well in the second half, specifically Dillon on Wembanyama to hold him scoreless in the second half,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “You don’t always get a lot of credit when you’re not scoring, but what he did for the game, the way he impacted it, was great.”

The Rockets were aggressive from the start, challenging Wembanyama despite his shot-blocking prowess in the first half. With Brooks and Sengun leading the charge defensively and offensively, Houston set the tone early and maintained it despite the Spurs’ attempts to rally.

Ultimately, Houston imposed its will. The team forced 18 turnovers, including 15 steals, converting them into 28 points. Despite their assertive play, the Rockets committed just 15 fouls and allowed the Spurs only 16 free throw attempts.

“We were playing physical, aggressive defense without fouling,” Udoka said. “And turnovers for them turned into fast-break points for us. A perfect formula.”

The Clippers, previously a dominant force in the Western Conference, seem to have lost their winning formula post-All-Star break. Following a 113-106 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Clippers have a 3-4 record since the season resumed, with only two victories against non-playoff contenders like the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies.

Before the break, the Clippers won 19 of 24 games, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the top seed in the West. However, injuries have plagued the team, with the most recent setback being reserve guard Russell Westbrook‘s hand injury.

Facing Milwaukee without Giannis Antetokounmpo due to injury, the Clippers appeared to have an edge. Instead, they allowed a 40-point fourth quarter by the Bucks, squandering a double-digit lead and raising doubts about their ability to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs. The loss against the Bucks highlighted the Clippers’ vulnerability.

“They’re all bad losses, however you look at it,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “Coming off a back-to-back, whether Giannis played or not, we knew it was going to be a tough game.”