Dallas Mavericks Lose 110-102 in I-45 Rivalry Game
The Dallas Mavericks were back in the United States to take on the Houston Rockets. The Mavericks… the Rockets at the Toyota Center on Monday night, also Amen Thompson Bobblecard Night. The first 3,000 fans received an Amen Thompson bobblecard.
In the Mavericks’ lawsuit against the Dallas Stars, the two teams are in a legal battle over the joint ownership of the American Airlines Center. Both teams use the entity, Center Operating Company (COC), to lease the right to play their games and operate the arena.
The Mavericks allege they should be recognized as the sole owner of the Center Operating Company because of an alleged breach by the Stars, how the Stars are “uprooting” their headquarters to Frisco as part of an alleged exploration of potential new arena options in Frisco, Plano, Fort Worth, etc., and how the Stars are “holding the American Airlines Center hostage” by not authorizing investments for maintenance and improvements.
Meanwhile, the Stars offered a starkly different contrast of the situation. The team described the Mavericks as attempting a “hostile takeover” of their shared control of the arena, along with the “substantial monetary investments” in the arena in recent years.
Dallas Mavericks-Houston Rockets Starters
The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets’ rivalry has a storied history of intense matchups and memorable moments. Despite the struggles, the loyal fanbases remain. The two teams carry a competitive spirit, especially during the Battle of Texas, also known as the I-45 Rivalry.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Kyrie Irving (knee), Anthony Davis (calf), Dante Exum (knee) and Dereck Lively II (knee).
Houston’s starting lineup featured Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun, and Josh Okogie. Houston ruled out Fred VanVleet (knee), Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and JD Davidson (personal reasons). Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is day-to-day.
Mavericks-Rockets Recap
Both teams have something to talk about. Dallas is known for its leadership, scoring, and international superstars. Houston shares all of the traits of a playoff contender like defense, offense, and the highly competitive players. Houston’s creation of a formidable offensive attack with its unconventional offense is arguably elite.
Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks have been struggling to score. Flagg, 18, is adjusting to the NBA life in the point guard position. It’s important to note the 18-year-old reportedly struggled to breathe in Mexico City due to the altitude, which is 2,000 feet higher than in Denver. Still, Dallas ranks dead last in the NBA’s offense, a huge concern for many individuals.
The first quarter was awe-inspiring. Max Christie opened the scoring with an amazing basket. Amen Thompson shined with a corner three-pointer. Dallas took a 28-24 lead after the first.
The second quarter was action-packed. Houston had a fast start, outscoring Dallas 9-2 in 3.5 minutes. Reed Sheppard hit a step-back three-pointer, helping Houston to its largest lead of the game, 31-28. Naji Marshall tripped a defender and slammed off a grab-and-go rebound. Houston took a 58-55 lead into halftime.
The third quarter picked up where it left off from the first half. Moussa Cisse scored his first NBA points. Alperen Sengun amazed the home crowd with his footwork on a spin slam. Houston settled for an 81-78 lead after three quarters.
The fourth quarter was suspenseful. Kevin Durant managed to get past Cooper Flagg for the floater. D’Angelo Russell hit a three-pointer to make it a two-point game, 89-87. The game shifted in favor of the Rockets, who took a six-point lead, 98-92. Houston won 110-102 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
The Mavericks return to Dallas to host the New Orleans Pelicans in a one-game tilt on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. Central.
The Rockets travel to Memphis to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Central. The game will be broadcast on the Space City Home Network.
