Rockets Establish Early Lead
The Houston Rockets opened their 2026-27 season with a decisive 128-110 victory over the visiting Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center on Wednesday. Kevin Durant led the scoring effort with 30 points, while Fred VanVleet orchestrated the offense with 11 assists.
The home team took control early, outscoring the Mavericks 32-26 in the first quarter and extending their lead to 38-26 by the end of the second period. Alperen Sengun contributed 10 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint for Houston.
Mavericks Attempt Comeback
The Dallas Mavericks, led by Cooper Flagg’s 32 points, struggled to maintain consistency in the first half but showed flashes of resilience. Flagg was the only Mavs player in the double digits in scoring for the first half, supported by Naji Marshall’s six assists. However, the Mavericks’ second-quarter scoring drop-off to 12 points allowed Houston to build a significant cushion.
By the halftime break, the Rockets held a 70-54 lead, setting the stage for a comfortable third quarter.
Third Quarter Momentum
Houston continued to dominate in the third period, outscoring Dallas 30-38 in that stretch to extend their lead further. Durant and Sengun connected on key plays, with Sengun hitting a three-pointer and Durant adding free throws to keep the momentum flowing. The Rockets’ defense limited the Mavericks’ scoring opportunities, forcing several missed shots and turnovers.
By the end of the third quarter, Houston led 100-74, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Final Stretch and Records
In the fourth quarter, the Mavericks attempted a final push, scoring 34 points, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. Durant and VanVleet continued to contribute, with Durant hitting a three-pointer and VanVleet adding a long-range jumper. The Rockets closed out the game with a 18-0 run in the final minutes, securing the 128-110 win.
Houston finishes the day with a 1-0 record, while Dallas drops to 0-1. The game featured strong performances from both teams’ key players, but the Rockets’ balanced attack and defensive pressure proved decisive in their season opener.
Sources
ESPN
