Houston seizes control
Tari Eason scored 20 points, and the Houston Rockets turned a dominant first half into a 135-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Houston led 65-45 at halftime after outscoring Dallas 27-19 in the first quarter and 38-26 in the second.
The Rockets’ early advantage reached 9-0 before Dallas scored, and Houston continued to extend the margin through the second quarter. Eason’s scoring led Houston, while Alperen Sengun contributed 10 assists and 10 rebounds. The Rockets made the most of their opening-half separation and carried a 20-point lead into the break.
Dallas trims the margin
Dallas responded with its strongest quarter after halftime, scoring 35 points in the third while Houston scored 34. The Mavericks still entered the fourth quarter trailing 99-80, leaving Houston in control despite Dallas’ improved offensive output.
Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 19 points. Dwight Powell had eight assists, and Zaccharie Risacher collected eight rebounds. Houston answered Dallas’ third-quarter push with 36 points in the fourth, while the Mavericks scored 37.