Second-quarter surge decides game
A 38-point second quarter gave the Houston Rockets control, and Tari Eason’s 20 points helped carry them to a 135-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Houston led 65-45 at halftime after outscoring Dallas 38-26 in the second period.
The Rockets, the visiting team, opened with a 27-19 advantage after one quarter. Their lead grew by 12 points before halftime, turning a nine-point margin into a 20-point gap. Alperen Sengun contributed 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston.
Mavericks narrow gap late
Dallas answered with a 35-point third quarter, one more than Houston’s 34, but still entered the final period trailing 99-80. The Mavericks scored 37 points in the fourth, while the Rockets added 36, leaving Houston with the 18-point final margin.
Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 19 points. Dwight Powell had eight assists, and Zaccharie Risacher collected eight rebounds. Houston’s scoring total reached 135, while Dallas finished with 117.
