Rockets Start Strong
The Houston Rockets kicked off the 2026-27 NBA season with a commanding 128-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday at Toyota Center. Kevin Durant led the way with 30 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 30 of his own to help the home team secure the win.
The Rockets finished the game with a 1-0 record, while the Mavericks dropped to 0-1 in their season debut. Attendance at the venue stood at 18,055 as Houston established an early lead that they never relinquished.
First Half Dominance
Houston controlled the pace from the opening tip, outscoring Dallas 32-26 in the first quarter. The second quarter proved even more decisive for the hosts, as they dominated 38-12 to build a substantial cushion. By the half, the Rockets led 70-38, a 32-point advantage that set the tone for the rest of the contest.
Fred VanVleet orchestrated the offense with 11 assists, providing steady leadership and connecting with teammates on key baskets. Alperen Sengun contributed 10 rebounds, anchoring the frontcourt and limiting Dallas’ second-chance opportunities.
Mavericks’ Third Quarter Push
Dallas attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring Houston 38-30 to close the gap. Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 32 points, providing a consistent scoring threat throughout the game. Naji Marshall added 6 assists, helping to move the ball effectively during the surge.
However, the Rockets’ depth and execution in the first half proved too difficult to overcome. The Mavericks’ effort in the third period was their best stretch of the game, but it was not enough to erase the earlier deficit.
Final Stretch
In the fourth quarter, the teams played more evenly, with Dallas scoring 34 to Houston’s 28. Despite the closer margin in the final frame, the Rockets maintained their lead comfortably. Zaccharie Risacher finished with 6 rebounds for Dallas, contributing on the glass.
The final score of 128-110 reflected Houston’s superior overall performance across all phases of the game. The victory marked a strong start for the Rockets as they begin their season, while the Mavericks will look to adjust and improve in their upcoming matchups.
Sources
ESPN
