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.
Harden, the top scorer in the NBA for the past three seasons, left the franchise to join the Brooklyn Nets in a multi-team deal this week.
Victory for Houston followed two consecutive home defeats by defending NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers.