Tari Eason scores 20 as Rockets roll past Mavericks 135-117

Houston builds separation

Tari Eason scored 20 points, and the visiting Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Houston established its early edge with Fred VanVleet scoring the Rockets’ first nine points on three baskets, including two 3-pointers. Dallas answered with a 3-pointer from Max Christie, but Houston led 27-19 after the opening quarter.

Second-quarter surge

The Rockets widened the margin in the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 38-26. Amen Thompson scored two baskets early in the period, while Alperen Sengun added a layup and a dunk. Jabari Smith Jr. also made two 3-pointers and a dunk during the quarter, and Houston took a 65-45 advantage into the second half.

Cooper Flagg led Dallas’ scoring effort with 19 points. He scored four points early in the second quarter, later added a 3-pointer, and made several free throws before halftime. Max Christie made three 3-pointers in the first half, while Naji Marshall and Zaccharie Risacher also contributed to Dallas’ offense.

Dallas trims the gap, but Houston holds on

Dallas outscored Houston 35-34 in the third quarter, but the Rockets still carried a 99-80 lead into the fourth. Kevin Durant scored during Houston’s third-quarter push, and VanVleet and Reed Sheppard each made 3-pointers. Sheppard added three more 3-pointers in the period, helping Houston maintain its cushion.

Dallas scored 37 points in the fourth quarter, including late baskets from Jett Howard and Tobi Lawal. Houston answered with 36 points in the period. Bruce Thornton made two 3-pointers and a layup in the fourth, and the Rockets finished with the 18-point victory.

By the numbers

Sengun recorded 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston. Dwight Powell had eight assists for Dallas, while Risacher collected eight rebounds. The Mavericks hosted the game before an announced attendance of 11,564.

Houston moved to 1-0, while Dallas fell to 0-1.

Sources

ESPN