Rockets Open With 135-117 Win Over Mavericks in Dallas

Mavericks Face Early Deficit

The Dallas Mavericks fell behind early and could not recover, losing 135-117 to the Houston Rockets on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Tari Eason scored 20 points for Houston, which opened the game with a 27-19 lead and carried a 65-45 advantage into halftime.

Houston entered the second quarter ahead by eight, then expanded the margin with a 38-point period. Dallas scored 26 points in the quarter, but the Mavericks still trailed by 20 at the break.

Houston Maintains Control

The Rockets continued to add to the lead in the third quarter, outscoring Dallas 34-35? No — Houston scored 34 points and Dallas scored 35, trimming the deficit by one. Houston took a 99-80 lead into the fourth quarter.

Eason added to Houston’s margin early in the final period, making a 9-foot fadeaway jump shot before connecting on a 23-foot 3-pointer. The Rockets led 109-83 after Eason’s three free throws, and Houston finished with 36 points in the quarter. Dallas scored 37 in the final period but remained behind throughout the closing stretch.

Individual Performances

Alperen Sengun contributed 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston. Cooper Flagg scored 19 points for Dallas, while Dwight Powell had eight assists and Zaccharie Risacher collected eight rebounds.

Houston also held a 42-26 lead after the second quarter’s opening stretch and reached a 97-76 advantage late in the third. The Rockets’ scoring by quarter was 27, 38, 34 and 36. Dallas scored 19, 26, 35 and 37.

Records

The loss left Dallas with a 0-1 record. Houston moved to 1-0. The Mavericks were the home team at Venetian Arena, where attendance was 11,564.

Sources

ESPN