Houston Rockets Hold Off Dallas Mavericks 111-107
The Houston Rockets hosted the Dallas Mavericks at the Toyota Center on Saturday night, also City Edition Night. The Rockets defeated the Mavericks 111-107 in a nationally televised game on ABC. Houston improved to 30-17 and a two-game winning streak, while Dallas fell to 19-30 and a four-game losing streak.
In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it, Houston blew out the Atlanta Hawks 104-86 at State Farm Arena on Thursday. Kevin Durant was Houston’s top scorer with 31 points, five rebounds, and four assists. CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 23 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
Dallas dropped a 123-121 heartbreaker to the Charlotte Hornets at the American Airlines Center on Thursday. Cooper Flagg was Dallas’ top scorer with 49 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 34 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
With his bucket at 4:10 of the fourth quarter, Flagg, 19, recorded his 44th point, setting a Maverick rookie record for most points in a game. The previous record, which was shared with Mark Aguirre, whose jersey was retired on Thursday, and with him.
Flagg had 40 points, seven rebounds, and two assists through three quarters. Flagg’s the first teenager in the play-by-play era (since 1996-97) to score 40 points through three quarters. He’s also the first rookie in the play-by-play era to accomplish the feat.
His career-high 49 points and 10 rebounds to set the record for most points by a teenager in NBA history. He became the first rookie to record a 49-point, 10-rebound game since Michael Jordan in 1984-85.
Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters
Saturday’s game provided an opportunity for Cooper Flagg to follow up his historic 49-point, 10-rebound performance against a stacked Rockets team that includes veteran star Kevin Durant.
Dallas came in hot. Jason Kidd recorded 198 regular-season wins with the Mavs and needs two wins to become the fourth head coach in the Mavs’ history to reach 200 victories with the team. Kidd, 52, would join Rick Carlisle, Don Nelson, and Dick Motta.
Previously, Klay Thompson had 16 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. Thompson, 35, has suffered significant backlash for his shooting struggles since arriving in Dallas in 2024.
Houston’s starting lineup featured Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Houston ruled out Fred VanVleet (torn ACL) and Steven Adams (season-ending left ankle surgery).
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dante Exum (season-ending knee surgery), Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), and Anthony Davis (finger).
Rockets vs. Mavericks Recap
Saturday’s game showcased the “Battle of Texas” between the Rockets and Mavericks. The two teams played in their fourth and final matchup of the season. Dallas won the last two games of the season series, and with a win, would clinch the series 3-1.
Dallas opened the scoring with a field goal. Houston responded with a three-pointer. Both teams struggled to get going offensively, but gradually picked up the pace. Brandon Williams came off the bench to score 13 points in eight minutes. Houston ended the first-quarter scoring with a pair of free throws. Houston took a 31-28 lead to end the first.
Both teams shrugged off a slow start to the second quarter. The game remained close, with Houston’s offense rising as Dallas’ defense declined. Amen Thompson found Jabari Smith Jr. twice for back-to-back three pointers. Max Christie nailed a three-pointer. Houston took a 59-51 lead into halftime.
Both teams saw a slow start to the third quarter. Brandon Williams suffered a right lower leg contusion and didn’t return. Cooper Flagg’s three-point shooting improved. Houston’s free throw and three-point shooting were hot. Houston took an 87-82 lead through three quarters.
Both teams played a closely-contested fourth quarter. Cooper Flagg shone with stellar spin moves. Klay Thompson nailed a step-back three-pointer. Moussa Cisse blocked a Rockets shot. Amen Thompson hit a tough and-1. Dallas went on a late 10-2 run. Naji Marshall tied the game at 107, but Alperen Sengun’s bucket put the Rockets back up 109-107 with 28.6 seconds left. Houston won 111-107 in regulation.
Next Steps
The Rockets hit the road to take on the Indiana Pacers inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday, Feb. 2, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. On paper, Houston is the better team, but Houston’s defensive discipline and rebounding must be on full display for a potential win over Indiana.
The Mavericks return home to open a two-game homestand, starting with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Boston has struggled to start the season, but it can beat the Mavs by excelling offensively, maintaining defensive intensity, and staying mentally prepared to contain Dallas’s offense, defense, and physicality.
