Rockets Set the Pace
Tari Eason scored 20 points as the visiting Houston Rockets defeated the home Dallas Mavericks 135-117 on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Alperen Sengun contributed 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston, which opened the game with a 27-19 lead after one quarter.
Houston extended its advantage through the second period, taking a 65-45 lead into halftime. Eason supplied 20 points for the Rockets, while Sengun finished with the game’s listed totals of 10 assists and 10 rebounds.
Dallas Cuts Into the Margin
The Mavericks outscored the Rockets 35-34 in the third quarter, but Houston still held a 99-80 advantage entering the final period. Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 19 points. Dwight Powell had eight assists, and Zaccharie Risacher recorded eight rebounds for the Mavericks.
Dallas also outscored Houston 37-36 in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks reduced the deficit during the period, but the Rockets finished with an 18-point victory.
