Tari Eason scores 20 as Rockets defeat Mavericks 135-117

Rockets Set the Pace

Tari Eason scored 20 points, and the Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 on Friday at Venetian Arena. Houston, the visiting team, led from the opening quarter through the final horn. Alperen Sengun added 10 assists and 10 rebounds for the Rockets.

Houston scored the first nine points, with Fred VanVleet making three consecutive shots from beyond the arc. Dallas answered with a 3-pointer from Max Christie, but the Rockets finished the opening period ahead 27-19. Eason scored 20 points for Houston, while Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 19 points.

Houston Builds a Cushion

The Rockets extended their advantage in the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 38-26. Houston used a series of baskets from Jabari Smith Jr., Sengun and Kevin Durant to move ahead 58-33 before the Mavericks closed the half with a late stretch. Dallas still faced a 65-45 deficit at halftime.

Flagg supplied 19 points for the Mavericks, including multiple baskets during the second quarter, while Max Christie and Naji Marshall also contributed scoring plays for the home team. Dwight Powell finished with eight assists for Dallas, and Zaccharie Risacher had eight rebounds.

Mavericks Rally After Intermission

Dallas improved its offensive output in the third quarter, scoring 35 points, but Houston matched the response with 34. The Rockets carried a 99-80 lead into the fourth quarter after three-point baskets from VanVleet, Reed Sheppard and Isaiah Crawford helped maintain the margin.

Eason opened the final period with a basket and later added a 3-pointer and three free throws. Houston reached 132 points before Bruce Thornton hit a 23-foot 3-pointer. Dallas scored the final basket, as Sergio de Larrea made a layup for the final 135-117 margin.

The game was played before an attendance of 11,564 at Venetian Arena. Houston moved to 1-0, while Dallas fell to 0-1 after the game.

Sources

ESPN