Houston Rockets Mount Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Rally to Stun San Antonio Spurs
In a thrilling National Basketball Association (NBA) matchup on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (Philippine time), the host Houston Rockets engineered a remarkable comeback, erasing a 16-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 111-106. The victory was spearheaded by reserve player Reed Sheppard, who ignited the Rockets' offense with a clutch performance in the final period.
Sheppard's Fourth-Quarter Heroics Fuel Comeback
Reed Sheppard emerged as the unexpected hero for the Rockets, scoring 12 of his total 21 points in the decisive 4th quarter. His offensive burst catalyzed a 9-0 rally early in the period, which included a key assist to Kevin Durant for a three-point shot. This surge completely overturned the Rockets' 16-point hole from the third quarter, where they trailed 67-83.
The Spurs had dominated much of the game, quickly establishing a double-digit lead and maintaining it through the first three quarters, ending the third with a 92-82 advantage. However, the Rockets' resilience shone through as they tightened their defense and capitalized on scoring opportunities.
Key Plays and Contributions Seal the Win
Following Sheppard's initial spark, Dorian Finney-Smith added a second-chance basket, and the Rockets never looked back. With just 1:47 remaining on the clock, Jabari Smith Jr. broke a 104-104 tie with a crucial three-point shot, propelling Houston toward their eventual victory. This win improved the Rockets' record to 25-16, solidifying their fourth-place standing in the competitive Western Conference.
Supporting Sheppard's efforts, Alperen Sengun contributed 20 points, while Kevin Durant added 18 points. Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson chipped in with 17 and 16 points, respectively, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that overwhelmed the Spurs in the closing moments.
Spurs' Strong Performance Falls Short Despite Early Lead
On the opposing side, the San Antonio Spurs, who hold the second spot in the Western Conference with a 30-14 record, were led by Julian Champagnie's 27-point outing. De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama each contributed 14 points, with Wembanyama also grabbing 10 rebounds. However, Wembanyama faced tight defense from the Rockets, limiting him to 16-of-21 shooting and forcing him to miss all seven of his three-point attempts.
The Rockets' tenacious defense, particularly against the 7'4" French giant Wembanyama, played a pivotal role in stifling the Spurs' offense and enabling their comeback. This game highlights the unpredictable nature of NBA basketball, where no lead is safe and reserve players can become game-changers in critical moments.
