Spurs lose big to Rockets in second-straight road loss

The San Antonio Spurs were looking to bounce back after an epic collapse in their previous loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Unfortunately for the Spurs, they picked up where they left off in a blowout 127-100 loss on the road to the Houston Rockets .

While Houston dominated most game factors, there were a few bright spots for the struggling Spurs. They shot 38.9% from deep, and Victor Wembanyama's rim presence helped San Antonio slow down the Rockets' interior attack in short bursts.

Wembanyama finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. This rejection of a Jalen Green dunk was the biggest defensive stand the Spurs made all night. Despite the second-year big man's offensive struggles, he's continued to make a major impact as a rim protector.

Wembanyama's playmaking has also steadily improved over the last few games. The Spurs are finding ways to get him in more advantageous situations where he can find cutters and shooters out of the high post. Julian Champagnie has established a connection with the star big man.

Champagnie has filled in the starting lineup nicely while Devin Vassell is out. He had 13 points on 3-6 shooting from deep on Wednesday. His shooting has been needed for a Spurs team struggling to hit deep shots. He's hitting 35% from deep on the young season, contributing as a defender and attacking closeouts when defenses overplay his jump shot. His development has been one of the Spurs bigger wins over the last three years.

Rookie, Stephon Castle, got his first NBA start on against Houston. He had 5 points and 3 steals in his starting debut. Castle brings much needed defensive intensity into the starting five with defensive stopper, Jeremy Sochan, missing time with a thumb injury. Castle has a ways to go offensively, but his willingness to embrace contact and get to the basket should pay off as he continues to adjust to the pro game.

It wasn't Chris Paul's best game, but this play is indicative of what makes him such a weapon for the Spurs offense. Having a player who can take the top off a defense and hit pull-up jumpers out of the pick and roll is huge. It will force defenses to commit to Paul coming off a screen, and open lanes for others. The Spurs couldn't create much of advantage in the PnR against a stout Rockets' defense. Paul finished with 10 points and 4 assists.

A blowout means Spurs fans get to see some of the deep bench players get some run. David Duke Jr. and Sidy Cissoko were the biggest highlights in garbage time. Cissoko knocked down a three and competed defensively. Duke Jr. had three points, including this smooth looking drive to the cup in transition.