Tari Eason’s 20 points lead Rockets past Mavericks, 135-117

Second-quarter surge

The turning point came in the second quarter, when the Houston Rockets outscored the Dallas Mavericks 38-26 to stretch a first-quarter advantage into a 65-45 halftime lead. Tari Eason scored 20 points to lead the visiting Rockets in a 135-117 victory Friday over the Mavericks at Venetian Arena.

Houston opened the game with a 27-19 edge, then widened the gap before halftime. The Rockets’ second-quarter run included three-point baskets from Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr., along with a series of inside scores from Alperen Sengun, Smith and Kevin Durant.

Rockets keep distance

Dallas trimmed Houston’s lead by one point in the third quarter, but the Rockets still outscored the Mavericks 34-35?

Houston entered the final period ahead 99-80 after a 34-35 third quarter in Dallas’ favor. The Mavericks scored 37 points in the fourth, but Houston answered with 36 to preserve the 18-point margin at the finish.

Eason added a three-pointer and three free throws during the fourth quarter. Reed Sheppard made a driving layup, while Bruce Thornton added several baskets, including a 23-foot three-pointer that put Houston ahead 135-115. Sergio de Larrea’s layup provided the final points.

Individual leaders and records

Sengun finished with 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston. For Dallas, Cooper Flagg had 19 points, Dwight Powell recorded eight assists and Zaccharie Risacher collected eight rebounds.

The game was played before an attendance of 11,564 at Venetian Arena. The Rockets left with a 1-0 record, while the Mavericks opened at 0-1.

Sources

ESPN