Rockets pull away from Mavericks 135-117 behind Tari Eason's 20 points

Dallas starts from behind

The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Houston Rockets 135-117 on Friday at Venetian Arena, where Houston was led by Tari Eason’s 20 points. The result left Dallas 0-1 and Houston 1-0. The game was played before an attendance of 11,564.

Houston opened with a 9-0 run, with Fred VanVleet making three consecutive shots for the visiting team. Dallas answered with a 3-pointer from Max Christie and baskets from Cooper Flagg and Daniel Gafford, but the Rockets finished the first quarter ahead 27-19.

Rockets build separation

The gap widened in the second quarter. Dallas scored the first four points of the period on two Flagg baskets, including a dunk, but Houston responded with baskets from Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun before extending its advantage. Jabari Smith Jr. made two 3-pointers in the quarter, and the Rockets took a 65-45 lead into halftime after outscoring Dallas 38-26.

Flagg scored 19 points for Dallas. Dwight Powell had eight assists, while Zaccharie Risacher collected eight rebounds. Dallas also received second-quarter 3-pointers from Flagg and Max Christie as it tried to keep pace.

Dallas trims the margin

The Mavericks made progress in the third quarter, outscoring Houston 35-34. Christie made two 3-pointers in the period, and Tarik Biberovic also connected twice from beyond the arc for Dallas. Houston maintained control behind baskets from Kevin Durant, VanVleet and Sengun, leading 99-80 after three quarters.

Sengun finished with 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston. VanVleet made two 3-pointers in the third quarter, while Reed Sheppard made three 3-pointers in the period.

Fourth-quarter finish

Houston added 36 points in the final quarter. Eason made a 3-pointer and three free throws during the period, while Sheppard and Bruce Thornton added baskets for the Rockets. Dallas continued scoring late, including 3-pointers from John Poulakidas, Seth Lundy and Jett Howard, but Houston held its lead through the final sequence.

Sergio de Larrea scored the final basket for Dallas, and Thornton answered with Houston’s last 3-pointer before the 135-117 final.

Sources

ESPN