Landale, Rockets demolish Spurs in Texas rivalry

• Jock Landale played eight minutes as Houston won its second straight game
• Josh Giddey scored more than 20 points for the fourth consecutive game
• Ben Simmons continues to make an impact for the Clippers

Australian big man Jock Landale and the Houston Rockets have leapfrogged the Los Angeles Lakers into fourth spot in the Western Conference after a 118-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs at the Toyota Center.

Landale played eight minutes, scoring five points and grabbing three rebounds but his teammate Amen Thompson was the standout with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks as the Rockets won their second game in a row to move up one spot in the standings.

Houston asserted their dominance early, jumping out to a 34-20 lead in the first quarter and their momentum continued into the second period, extending their advantage to 64-46 by halftime. The Rockets' offensive firepower was on full display in the third quarter, outscoring the Spurs 37-29 to build a commanding 101-75 lead heading into the final frame.

San Antonio showed signs of life in the fourth quarter, mounting a 31-17 run to cut into Houston's lead but the Rockets' earlier dominance proved too much to overcome, as they secured a comfortable 12-point victory.

Thompson's exceptional performance was the driving force behind Houston's success, while Jalen Green complemented Thompson's efforts with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Dillon Brooks added 19 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

For the Spurs, Keldon Johnson and Stephon Castle each contributed 22 points, but their efforts were not enough to overcome Houston's balanced attack.

Los Angeles Clippers @ Chicago Bulls

In a game featuring three Australians, Josh Giddey was once again the standout despite the Bulls' 122-117 loss to the Clippers at the United Center, scoring 21 points while dishing out 12 assists and grabbing eight rebounds.

It was Giddey's fourth consecutive game with more than 20 points. Ben Simmons had six points, eight rebounds and eight assists in 18 minutes for the Clippers but Patty Mills received a DNP Coach's Decision.

Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat

Dyson Daniels continues to have an impact on the offensive end for the Hawks, scoring 18 points despite Atlanta going down to the Miami Heat 131-109 at the Kaseya Center.

Daniels also had two steals, five rebounds and five assists.

Portland Trailblazers @ Washington Wizards

Aussies Duop Reath and Matisse Thybulle both didn't play as the Portland Trailblazers beat the Washington Wizards 129-121 at Capital One Arena.

Reath received a DNP Coach's Decision while Thybulle remains out with a right ankle sprain.

Toronto Raptors @ Indiana Pacers

Johnny Furphy hit the court for three minutes as the Indiana Pacers demolished the Toronto Raptors 111-91 at home.

Furphy had one steal in Indiana's win.