Irving, Flagg lead Mavericks past Rockets 116-111 in fourth-quarter surge

Fourth-Quarter Decisive Run

The Dallas Mavericks neutralized a Houston Rockets advantage in the third quarter with a dominant fourth-quarter performance, securing a 116-111 victory on Friday at American Airlines Center. The game’s turning point arrived late in the fourth, when Dallas outscored Houston in a critical stretch to close the gap and take control.

Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg led the charge, combining for key buckets and free throws that sealed the win for the home team.

Scoring Flow and Momentum

Houston entered the third quarter with a 78-71 lead, having built a cushion in the second half. The Rockets led 20-27 in the first quarter but extended their advantage to 51-43 at the half and 78-71 after three quarters. Dallas responded with a 40-27 fourth-quarter outburst, erasing the deficit and taking the lead for good.

The Mavericks finished the third quarter trailing by only seven points after a 32-33 third-quarter split, setting the stage for their final-period surge.

Key Performers

Kyrie Irving was the game’s standout, scoring 35 points and dishing out nine assists for Dallas. Cooper Flagg contributed significantly, including a crucial free-throw finish late in the fourth. For Houston, Kevin Durant led the scoring with 28 points, while Fred VanVleet provided six assists.

Tari Eason anchored the Rockets’ frontcourt with 13 rebounds. P.J. Washington added 10 rebounds for Dallas, helping stabilize the paint during the decisive stretch.

Final Records and Context

The result improved the Mavericks’ record to 4-2, while the Rockets fell to 5-1. The game featured strong three-point shooting from both sides, with Irving hitting multiple deep shots and Durant contributing from beyond the arc. Attendance at American Airlines Center was 18,832. The Mavericks’ fourth-quarter performance proved decisive, as they overcame the Rockets’ earlier lead to claim the win.

Sources

ESPN