Tari Eason scores 20 as Rockets defeat Mavericks 135-117

Houston sets the tone

The Dallas Mavericks fell behind early and could not close the gap as Tari Eason scored 20 points to help the Houston Rockets win 135-117 on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Houston, the visiting team, led 27-19 after the first quarter and extended its advantage to 65-45 by halftime.

Rockets widen the margin

Houston added 34 points in the third quarter while Dallas scored 35, leaving the Rockets ahead 99-80 entering the final period. The Rockets then scored 36 points in the fourth quarter, while the Mavericks answered with 37, but Dallas remained 18 points short at the final buzzer.

Alperen Sengun contributed 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston. Fred VanVleet opened the game with three consecutive made shots, including three-pointers on the first and third scoring plays, as the Rockets moved in front 9-0 before Dallas got on the board.

Dallas leaders

Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 19 points. Dwight Powell had eight assists, and Zaccharie Risacher collected eight rebounds. Dallas also received early scoring from Max Christie and Daniel Gafford, who each made multiple shots in the first quarter, but the Mavericks trailed 27-19 after 12 minutes.

The Rockets maintained their advantage through the second quarter, scoring 38 points to Dallas' 26. Houston's lead reached 20 points at 49-30 during the period and stood at 20 points again at halftime after Tari Eason's 25-foot 3-pointer.

Records

The result left Houston at 1-0 and Dallas at 0-1. Attendance was 11,564 at Venetian Arena.

Sources

ESPN