Andre Drummond was whistled for a controversial flagrant foul, which Coach Popovich unsuccessfully challenged. But rather than let it dictate the rest of the game, the Big Penguin got fired-up and scored countless second-chance baskets, en route to a career tally on the box score. Drummond finished with 41 points, 20 rebounds, 2 steals & 4 blocks. Dejounte Murray fed the big man, dishing 5 assists, scoring 19 points and blocking a corner 3PT attempt by Houston throughout the game. Brandon Ingram had a quiet 13 points, 6 rebounds, as did Joe Harris (after a cold spell of games) who hit 3 threes. Fred VanVleet scored 1
For Houston, James Harden had a down game, as Houston only made 4-21 long shots, finishing with 16 points, going 2-7 from long range with 2 turnovers. Russell Westbrook (28 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 13-28 FG, 0-4 3PT) made it a fun night for the Rockets crowd, but the Spurs controlled this game, winning 3 of 4 quarters (w/a second quarter stalemate). Nemanja Bjelica scored 17 points, 6 rebounds, but Houston did not get much more help from the supporting talent. Eric Gordon shot 2-7, as the Rockets continue to fall in the standings, trailing once by 22 points in this game.
