Spurs vs. Rockets, Preseason Game 5: Recap and highlights

The San Antonio Spurs capped off their preseason on Friday night, with a game against the Houston Rockets.

Friday’s preseason game against the Houston Rockets marked the last one for the San Antonio Spurs before the 2017-18 regular season begins. They entered at 2-2, coming off a Tuesday loss to the Orlando Magic. Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker and Dejounte Murray all missed the Rockets game, due to injury.

48 minutes of action came and went, along with the preseason. Did San Antonio win? Who stood out at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX? Let’s find out.

This closed the Spurs’ preseason at 3-2, all without Leonard. Not bad, for now, so let’s see how the team did.

LaMarcus Aldridge had another dominant game, with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. It was his first double-double of the preseason. Aggression and activity were two words to not just describe Aldridge in this game, but all five preseason tilts. It’s a great sign for the Spurs, as they have their secondary alpha stepping up and carrying the scoring load. If this translates in the regular season, will the Portland Trail Blazer version of this star power forward return?

14 points, 8 boards, 3 assists and 2 steals for LA in the first half. pic.twitter.com/KZX4t2KSNH

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 14, 2017

Another quality game for Rudy Gay, too, who doesn’t look slowed down from his January Achilles injury. He had 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists on 6-for-11 shooting and 2-for-4 from 3-point range. The sixth man role, which was all his against the Rockets, fit him well and should be where we see him throughout the 2017-18 season.

While only one highlight, judging by this clip, Gay looked fine going to the basket. Although, it was against James Harden’s matador defense.

Nice. pic.twitter.com/LZqxJjJxF1

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 14, 2017

No Murray against the Rockets, so Patty Mills started. It was more about the backups, though. Bryn Forbes was the first player to come off the bench at point guard, and played 22 minutes. Derrick White, the player next in line, only received 7 minutes on the court. The discrepancy in playing time was stark, and clearly signaled the point guard pecking order. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the No. 29 overall pick started the season in the G-League.

As for the Rockets, Eric Gordon exploded for 27 on 9-for-18 shooting. 18 of his points came from 3-pointers. Oh, and Houston shot 53 3’s as a team, with just 15 going down. What’s going to happen when they hit at least half of that total in a regular season game?

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The preseason is over, so let’s finally turn to the regular season. It starts on Wednesday, Oct. 18 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX will host the game.