Houston builds the gap
Tari Eason scored 20 points, and the Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 on Friday at Venetian Arena. The visiting Rockets created the decisive separation with a 38-point second quarter, then added 34 points in the third to carry a 99-80 advantage into the final period.
Houston opened the game with a 27-19 lead after the first quarter. Dallas, playing at home, remained within reach early in the second, but the Rockets extended the margin through the rest of the half. Houston led 65-45 at halftime after outscoring Dallas 38-26 in the second quarter.
Rockets maintain control
The Mavericks scored 35 points in the third quarter, but Houston answered with 34 and kept the 19-point difference entering the fourth. Dallas added 37 points in the final period, while Houston scored 36 to finish with the 18-point victory.
Alperen Sengun supplied 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston. Eason's 20 points were also part of a balanced Rockets performance that included scoring plays from Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard and others.
