Showdown erupts in Texas, 116-123, as Spurs down Rockets.

Murray had a key block on Harden to ice the victory.

No love was lost between these two proud Texas squads, as James Harden splashed in a cool thirty points by halftime. Luckily, the "Beard" cooled off and finished with ten more, going 13-27, with 6 assists and 3 steals.

Skal Labissiere was propped into the starting lineup as Rudy Gay continues to struggle this season, the Spurs defense tight on Houston's talented shooters early, especially Avery Bradley on Eric Gordon and Kawh--Brandon Ingram now tasked with guarding Harden. The former Laker star did well, finishing 32 points, 2 blocks and 2 steals, notching 6 daggers from long range with clutch follow-through. Ingram hit a three to end a turbulent first period, 29-26.

The Rockets seized momentum next, however, ending the half up 63-54. It was not to last, as the Spurs trademark 3rd Quarter response ensued, winning it 34-24 and making the score 68-67, prompting Coach D'Antoni to call timeout for Houston. By this time, Ingram had knocked in four threes. They would respond on the road, as the Rockets came back and claimed the lead. That is not to say that Avery Bradley did not extend the advantage to six points. Carmelo Anthony hit a three, followed by Gordon on the perimeter. Brandon Ingram hit back hard for the Spurs, engaged fully in this fun shootout. Joakim Noah woke up for San Antone, making two clutch lay-ups in the pick and roll for the defending champions and proving his worth to the team.

Ingram's fifth three-pointer made it 111-115, followed by a turnover by Anthony. The Duke forward was fouled next, punishing Houston with three made free throws, 111-118. It only got worse as Avery Bradley swiped the inbound pass, getting wrapped up by his defender for the intentional foul, 111-120. Insult to injury, Labissiere blocked Harden's drive and Iman Shumpert buried a 3PTer. The Beard would get fouled next, hitting both, then finally make one of his own at the buzzer, yet too late.

Chris Paul had 25 points with 7 assists. Clint Capela had his impressive moments on the glass, but only had 12 points with 8 rebounds. Kenneth Faried contributed nicely with 10 points, 11 rebounds. The rest of the Rockets did not aid the road effort enough, despite going 12-23 from long range. The Spurs fired ten more, but went 13-33.

Behind Ingram, Dejounte Murray had 14 points, 10 assists and a crucial block on James Harden during the throes of a contentious final five minutes that forced Coach Popovich to call timeout, also. Given that it was a bad game for Patty Mills, Murray was notably aggressive. Avery Bradley had 17 points, making a trio of long shots. Kyle O'Quinn had his best game of the season with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks: shining in the starting lineup. Labissiere had a solid 9 points with 3 blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sparked the bench with 14 points. The Rockets won the glass 41-36, but 10 blocks were made by the Spurs, despite 30 assists by each team. Houston missed six free throws for its worth, coughing the ball up 11 times to San Antonio's 7.

The Rockets now fall to 3-7 on the season, as the Spurs notch #1 in the west at 9-2.