HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets put on an impressive performance on Wednesday night, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 110-99. Alperen Sengun was pivotal in the victory, contributing 23 points, while Jalen Green followed closely behind with 22 points. This win marks a significant rebound for the Rockets, who had previously lost two games.
Dillon Brooks and Cam Whitmore were also key players for Houston, scoring 19 and 18 points respectively. The Rockets began strong, overcoming a four-point deficit midway through the second quarter. They executed a decisive 21-8 run, heading into halftime with a 61-52 lead. Green was instrumental in this stretch, scoring eight points, with Whitmore adding two crucial three-pointers.
Houston’s momentum continued into the second half, as they opened with an 11-4 run that increased the lead to 72-56. The Rockets entered the fourth quarter up by 14 points and maintained a comfortable double-digit lead throughout.
Although the Mavericks had the return of stars Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II after missing a game, they struggled to cope without their key player, Luka Doncic, who is sidelined for at least a month due to a calf strain. Quentin Grimes led Dallas with 17 points off the bench, while both Thompson and Irving contributed 16 points.
A major takeaway from the game is that the Mavericks will need to adapt their strategy in Doncic’s absence, as they suffered their third loss in four games. Meanwhile, the Rockets managed to perform well even without their bench player Amen Thompson, who is serving a two-game suspension.
A critical turning point in the game was Houston’s impressive 32-12 run towards the end of the first half and beginning of the second. Additionally, the Rockets’ ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities, making 18 of 23 compared to Dallas’s 8 of 16, played a significant role in their success.
Looking ahead, both teams will be in action again on Friday night, with the Mavericks hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Rockets taking on the Boston Celtics at home.
This victory could be a turning point for the Rockets as they strive for consistency and aim to build on their success in upcoming games. With strong performances from key players, there is potential for continued improvement and exciting basketball ahead for Houston.