Rockets Fall to Mavericks 132-115 as Marcus Smart Scores 20

Houston comes up short

The Houston Rockets fell behind early and could not keep pace with the Dallas Mavericks, losing 132-115 on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Marcus Smart scored 20 points for Houston, which played at home before an announced attendance of 11,711.

Dallas held a one-point edge after the opening quarter and extended it through the game. The Mavericks led 28-27 after the first period, 58-51 at halftime and 95-85 entering the fourth quarter. The visiting team then scored 37 points in the final period while Houston scored 30.

Dallas builds its lead

Houston and Dallas traded the lead during the opening minutes, but the Mavericks closed the first quarter ahead. P.J. Washington made two 25-foot 3-point jumpers in the first half, while Kyrie Irving scored 17 points for Dallas. Cooper Flagg finished with seven assists.

Dallas created separation in the second quarter, turning a 31-31 tie into a 49-34 advantage before Houston trimmed the margin. Daniel Gafford scored several baskets during the period, and Dallas took a seven-point lead into halftime.

Rockets challenge in third

Houston opened the third quarter with a Smart free throw and a Reed Sheppard 3-pointer, then moved within one on a Jabari Smith Jr. basket. The Rockets later took a 66-64 lead after an Amen Thompson 3-pointer, but Dallas answered and regained control before the period ended.

Smith finished with nine rebounds for Houston, while Thompson recorded six assists. Dallas closed the quarter on top 95-85, with Max Christie and Naji Marshall contributing scoring plays during the late stretch.

Records

The Mavericks pulled away again in the fourth quarter. Zaccharie Risacher scored on a 3-point jumper, a tip-in dunk and a reverse dunk during the period, and Dallas continued adding to its advantage. Sergio de Larrea had seven rebounds for Dallas.

The loss left Houston with a 1-1 record. Dallas also moved to 1-1 after the victory.

Sources

ESPN