The Houston Rockets began life after James Harden with a first away win of the season at the San Antonio Spurs.
Christian Wood scored 27 points and had 15 rebounds as the Rockets came from behind to win 109-105.
Victory for Houston followed two consecutive home defeats by defending NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers.
You love to see it! š¤
Coach Silas gets his first road win! š pic.twitter.com/lgFq1dbvSp
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 15, 2021
Asked about the side’s mentality following Harden’s departure, Wood likened their resilient spirit to that of the late Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.
“We have the Mamba mentality,” Wood said.
“We are all dogs out there. Everybody wants to come out and play hard.”
The 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player and an eight-time all-star, Harden, 31, had reportedly grown frustrated at Houston. Before moving to Brooklyn, he said the Rockets were “not even close” to the league’s top competition.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Chris Boucher equalled his career best with 25 points and 10 rebounds as theĀ Toronto RaptorsĀ held off theĀ Charlotte HornetsĀ 111-108.
In Philadelphia, Shake Milton came off the bench to score a season-high 31 points, while Tobias Harris added 18 as theĀ 76ersĀ cruised past a depletedĀ Miami HeatĀ 125-108.
Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis combined for 48 points as theĀ Indiana PacersĀ secured a 111-87 away win at theĀ Portland Trail Blazers.
Nikola Jokic scored 23 points and Jamal Murray scored 17 as theĀ Denver NuggetsĀ beat theĀ Golden State WarriorsĀ 114-104.
