After missing Houston’s first three preseason games with a sore left elbow, offseason acquisition Christian Wood made quite a splash in his debut as the Rockets defeated San Antonio, 128-106 (box score).
The 6-foot-10 big man had 27 points (56% FG) and 10 rebounds in just 24 minutes. At just 25 years old, Houston’s athletic, versatile, and skilled center showed clear flashes — even in an exhibition game — of why the Rockets envision him as a key building block for years to come.
Houston led by 31 points when Wood checked out near the end of the third quarter. San Antonio cut into the margin slightly in the fourth quarter, when the Rockets were largely playing non-rotation players.
Besides Wood, starting guards James Harden and Eric Gordon each played well and kept the ball moving. Gordon scored 23 points (64.3% FG) and dished out five assists in 27 minutes, while Harden had 20 points (57.1% FG), nine assists, and seven rebounds in 27 minutes.
Incredible debut for Christian Wood as the Rockets wrap up the preseason with a blowout win over the Spurs. Wood dropped 27 & 10 along w/ a pair of assists, a block & steal. Harden looked great too, as did Eric Gordon. Rockets depth looks to be the real deal. Real games next week
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) December 18, 2020
The Spurs were led by 21 points from DeMar DeRozan, who shot just 5-of-13 (38.5%) from the field. San Antonio concluded the 2020-21 preseason at 0-3, while the Rockets finished at 3-1. The regular season begins next Wednesday, Dec. 23, also at home inside Toyota Center.
See below for highlights and postgame reaction from Thursday’s game. Interviews include Wood, Harden, and head coach Stephen Silas.
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