Dallas Mavericks Beat Rival Houston Rockets 110-104
The Dallas Mavericks hosted the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center on Saturday night. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 110-104 in the I-45 rivalry game. Dallas improved to 13-23, while Houston fell to 21-11.
Anthony Davis led the Mavs with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The Mavs hosted Dwight Powell Collectible Pin Night. The first 5,000 fans in attendance received a limited-edition Dwight Powell Collectible Pin. One fan received a lucky golden Dwight Powell Collectible Pin and won a $250 Dave & Buster’s Gift Card.
In case you missed it, the NBA announced on Friday that Cooper Flagg was named the Kia Western Conference Rookie of the Month for games played in December. Flagg, 19, gathered the award for the second straight month, while becoming the third Maverick to earn consecutive Rookie of the Month honors.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets Starters
Dallas entered Saturday’s game rocking their “Pegasus” City Edition jerseys, while hoping to end a four-game losing skid. Houston came in hot with a four-game win streak. Dallas’ starting lineup featured Max Christie, Flagg, PJ Washington Jr., Davis, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (knee), Kyrie Irving (knee), and Dereck Lively II (foot).
Houston’s starting lineup featured Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Houston ruled out Fred VanVleet (knee) and Steven Adams (ankle).
Mavericks vs. Rockets Recap
Both teams may have opposite records, but the Mavs and Rockets’ rivalry remains intact. Both teams’ rich history goes way back. Both teams had their fair share of legendary players and memorable moments since 1980, when the Mavs played their inaugural season.
The first quarter saw a slow start on both sides of the court, but the two teams slowly picked up the pace. Houston opened the game’s scoring with a bucket. Houston went on a 5-0 run before Dallas responded with a bucket. Dallas’ efforts, including a Christie three-pointer, kept the game close. Houston took a 31-25 lead to end the first.
The second quarter shifted in favor of the Mavs for the most part. Dallas went on a 10-0 run before Houston responded with a three-pointer. Ryan Nembhard nailed a three-pointer, while Naji Marshall completed a reverse layup in transition. Washington Jr. suffered a right ankle sprain and didn’t return to the game. Dallas took a 57-50 lead into halftime.
The third quarter first saw seesaw activity, but the Mavericks gradually built a double-digit lead over the Rockets. Flagg scored a floater to open the third-quarter scoring. Klay Thompson nailed a three-pointer to give the Mavs a game-high, 15-point lead. Dallas took an 87-75 lead after three quarters.
The fourth quarter saw early seesaw activity, but Dallas maintained its overall composure. Christie made a corner three-pointer for 22 points. Christie finished with 24 points as Dallas won 110-104 in regulation.
Next Steps
The Mavericks open a three-game road trip against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. Pacific. The final game of Tuesday’s NBC Coast-to-Coast slate should successfully increase viewership, fan engagement, and players’ drives to succeed.
Houston hosts the Phoenix Suns on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Central. The game is set to be a Western Conference showdown. Durant’s homecoming in Phoenix will likely be emotional. Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Collin Gillespie are expected to be key contributors to lead the Suns’ offense.
