Third-quarter swing
The turning point came after Houston moved in front 66-64 in the third quarter. Dallas regained the lead, built an 80-77 advantage and finished the period ahead 95-85 on the way to a 132-115 victory over the Rockets on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Venetian Arena.
Marcus Smart led Houston with 20 points. Amen Thompson had six assists, while Jabari Smith Jr. collected nine rebounds for the Rockets, who played at home. The Mavericks were led by Kyrie Irving’s 17 points. Cooper Flagg recorded seven assists, and Sergio de Larrea had seven rebounds.
How the game unfolded
Dallas held a one-point edge after the opening quarter, leading 28-27. Houston briefly moved in front early in the second quarter, taking a 31-28 lead, but the Mavericks answered with a run that put them ahead 37-31. Dallas carried a 58-51 advantage into halftime.
The Rockets opened the third quarter with a 6-0 stretch to pull within 58-57. Houston then moved ahead on Amen Thompson’s 3-pointer for a 66-64 lead. Dallas responded, with Max Christie’s 3-pointer tying the game at 66-66 before the Mavericks moved back in front. Dallas led 74-72 later in the period and extended the margin to 95-85 by the end of the quarter.
