Key Highlights
- The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets 121-110 in a critical NBA Emirates Cup game on Friday, November 7, 2025.
- Victor Wembanyama struggled early but finished with 22 points and 18 points in the second half to lead his team to victory.
- Julian Champagnie made significant contributions off the bench, scoring 22 points and providing key defense for San Antonio.
- The return of De’Aaron Fox is expected to shake up the Spurs’ starting lineup as he makes his season debut against New Orleans on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Victor Wembanyama’s Comeback Performance
The San Antonio Spurs faced a challenging task when facing the Houston Rockets. The Rockets employed smaller defenders to push around their star player Victor Wembanyama in an attempt to limit his impact on the court. Despite this strategy, Wembanyama found his rhythm late in the game.
Wembanyama went into halftime with only four points and had attempted only six field goals.
However, after intermission, he began to assert himself against Houston’s double-teams, scoring 18 points in the second half. His performance marked his first game with at least 20 points since October 30th, reflecting a significant improvement from his recent low-key games.
Julian Champagnie Steals the Show
In a redemption game for Julian Champagnie, he delivered an impressive performance off the bench. Champagnie poured in 22 points and contributed seven rebounds and five steals to the Spurs’ victory. His 3-point shooting was particularly impactful, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Preparing for De’Aaron Fox’s Return
The San Antonio Spurs will have a new starting lineup after All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox makes his season debut against New Orleans on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Head coach Mitch Johnson mentioned that the starting lineup will change as Fox is expected to slide into the starting point guard role.
With Fox’s return, the Spurs’ bench may see a shift in players. The best guess is that Stephon Castle could move to the off-guard position where he feels more comfortable, with Julian Champagnie possibly moving into a reserve role. This change will provide a fresh dynamic for the team as they aim to maintain their competitive edge.
Conclusion
The victory against the Rockets was crucial for the San Antonio Spurs, improving their record and providing a boost in confidence ahead of De’Aaron Fox’s return. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how this lineup adjustment impacts the team’s performance as they continue their journey in the NBA Emirates Cup.
