The Houston Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 109-107, at Toyota Center on Monday night.

The two teams had played an overtime thriller the first time they'd met this season, so competitive matchup was likely once again Monday. However, the first half was anything but, as the Spurs (10-16) jumped out to a 72-53 halftime lead. The Rockets (18-9) came out of intermission a different team, erasing all but six points from their deficit during the third quarter. The final period saw Houston go on an 18-8 run over the first 7:14 to take a 101-97 lead, and they ultimately sealed the victory courtesy of a pair of James Harden free throws with 16.2 seconds remaining.

LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Bryn Forbes poured in 18 points. Dejounte Murray and Derrick White produced matching 16-point, three-assist tallies while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively. Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan compiled 12 points apiece, with Gay pulling down 12 rebounds as well.

Russell Westbrook paced the Rockets with 31 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. James Harden totaled 28 points, eight boards, seven assists, one steal and one block. Ben McLemore registered 17 points. Clint Capela delivered a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists, three blocks and one steal. P.J. Tucker mustered nine points and also pulled down 11 boards.

The Spurs return home and face off with the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, while the Rockets pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night as well.