HOUSTON, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Kevin Martin scored 25 points Thursday and ignited a Houston outburst late in the first half that lifted the Rockets to a 105-85 victory over San Antonio.
The Spurs suffered their first loss of the season after winning their opening two games. Houston has split its first two contests.
In a what may be hint of things to come in the NBA's busy schedule this year, the Spurs faded while playing their third game in four nights.
The contest was tied 3 minutes deep into the second quarter but Houston then went on a 26-8 run to close out the first half and San Antonio offered little resistance during the final 24 minutes.
Luis Scola added 18 points for the Rockets, who shot 50 percent from the field in their home opener. Kyle Lower hit two 3-pointers and scored 16.
San Antonio was paced by DeJuan Blair with 22 points and Tony Parker had 12. The Spurs made only 1-of-17 attempts from 3-point range.
