The Houston Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 93-82, at Toyota Center on Monday night.

One of the hallmarks of the early tenure of head coach Ime Udoka in Houston has been improved defense, and accordingly, the Spurs (3-19) and Rockets (11-9) combined for only 40 points in the first quarter. San Antonio's slim two-point lead would soon evaporate, however, with Houston taking a four-point advantage into halftime. Their edge was up to six points going into the final period, and although the visitors would get as close as four points, the hosts were able to win while pulling away.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with an 15-point, 18-rebound double-double that included three assists and five blocks. Devin Vassell turned in 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Malaki Branham delivered 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Keldon Johnson supplied 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cedi Osman netted 10 points.

Tari Eason paced the Rockets with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals. Fred VanVleet furnished 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Alperen Sengun totaled 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Jeff Green recorded 12 points, two rebounds and one assist.

The Spurs head back home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.