Spurs struggle, then overcome Rockets 117-118.

Westbrook's strong game was spoiled by the Spurs' fighting spirit.

The Spurs pulled off the comeback of the season so far, just barely eclipsing the visitor Houstn Rockets by a single point, persevering past a 24-point deficit after being unable to hit the broadside of a barn in the first quarter, going 35% by halftime from the field. San Antonio would show tremendous heart on the defensive end, winning both the third and fourth quarters in the scoring column, even overcoming foul trouble for Brandon Ingram.

Houston seemed to regain control, as less than five minutes remained in the fourth quarter, with Joe Harris and other sharpshooters of the Spurs not able to light up the scoreboard. This comeback would not have been possible without impressive, strong play by Ingram, J.R. Smith & Dejounte Murray (30 points, 9 assists, 2 steals, 10-16). Smith was the first half spark for San Antone, whereas Murray had the game winning basket and Brandon Ingram (21 points) was clutch from the free throw line and aggressive toward the rim. Murray won the game for the home fans with a last second layup, as he sped down court after a Houston miss easily past James Harden (12 points, 3-9, 0-2 3PT). The Beard had taken a seat after the blowout set in, then was unable to be effective and get back into rhythm. Houston found themselves in an awful position as a result, that ended painfully with Harden whiffing on a buzzer-beating 3PT attempt.

Cold all game long, Joe Harris put up two decent but not great 3PT attempts, and both miraculously went in, getting the Spurs to tie the game. "Shooters shoot," Steve Smith said on commentary, as Coach Popovich smartly used timeouts to reward his guys with a breather for the comeback. The Spurs would foul Russell Westbrook's layup attempt, but Russ (37 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 12-26 FG%) only made one of two, leaving the Spurs with the chance to steal the game. Jarrett Allen (14 rebounds, 8 points, 2 blocks, 2 steals) was amazing for the Spurs, forcing tough shots and owning the glass, and Timofey Mosgov (6 points, 2 blocks, 2 steals) got a block in on Clint Capela (14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals) att the rim, breaking up another alley oop attempt down the stretch. Omri Casspi (8 points, 2-4 3PT) also hit some big shots to fuel the comeback.

The Rest: J.R. Smith topped out with 23 points, going 5-9 from 3PT territory with 7 assists. P.J. Tucker scored 10 points. Jeremy Lin dished 5 assists with 6 points, as Dragan Bender grabbed 8 boards. Skal Labissiere notched 10 points with 12 rebounds, as Eric Gordon went 5-11 for 13 points.