Spurs display greatest strengths in resilient win over the Houston Rockets

In a matchup against their Texas rival, the Rockets, the Spurs were on the hunt for blood. San Antonio, having suffered a heartbreaking loss to Houston just a week prior, was ready to exact revenge. And they did precisely that.

With tension at its highest and brutality climaxing, the Spurs came out victorious. With a 111-99 win, San Antonio illustrated everything that makes them the second-best team in the Western Conference. Coming back down 16 points, the Silver and Black never gave up, outhustling the Houston Rockets.

The Spurs were the stronger squad in a battle of brutes

With how much physicality was on display in this game, you would have thought you were watching a 1980s-era rivalry. The Spurs and Rockets are two teams known for their aggressiveness, and it was on full display Wednesday night.

The Spurs avoided the three-point line and focused on scoring at the rim to generate offense. The Rockets' backline of defense was bombarded all night long by each and every Spur. Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Victor Wembanyama were prime examples of this dominance at the rim. The trio all scored over 15 points, with the majority of them coming around the basket.

The Spurs persevered and fought their way to the cup despite Houston's constant hacking and body-to-body contact. Nobody was afraid of the moment or the pressure the Rockets imposed.

Even with their backs against the wall down 16 points, the Silver and Black refused to give up. When the crucial moments arrived, they were fully prepared. It was a testament to their undeniable will, showcased all season long. These types of games are the ones that create diamonds.

The San Antonio defense proves to be one of the best in the NBA

After the first quarter of play, things were looking concerning for San Antonio. Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson were getting whatever they wanted, and the Rockets were quickly taking over the game offensively. But then, the Spurs' defense shaped up.

Led by two steals and five blocks generated by Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs' defense was cataclysmic. Once they settled into things, this defense was impenetrable. The Rockets were powerless by the time the fourth quarter rolled around.

Head Coach Mitch Johnson employed a zone against a Houston team that is also struggling to shoot from beyond the arc. With creative matchups including Stephon Castle guarding Alperen Sengun and Victor Wembanyama guarding Amen Thompson, Mitch Johnson won the chess match.

The Spurs set out to create chaos on each possession, muddying up all of the Rockets' actions. San Antonio eventually exhausted Houston and forced them into more turnovers as the game wore on. The Silver and Black played as a true unit, forming an impassable defense.

What a win it was for San Antonio. It doesn't get much better than this. This was Spurs basketball at its finest. As we look towards the playoffs, there is no reason to fear Houston. As the budding rivalry forms, Victor Wembanyama and his crew will continue to prove that they are the stronger squad.