Mavericks Defeat Rockets 132-115 Behind Balanced Scoring Effort

Dallas secures the result

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 132-115 in a preseason game on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Venetian Arena in Macao, China, with an attendance of 11,711. Marcus Smart scored 20 points for Houston, while Kyrie Irving scored 17 for Dallas. Houston was the designated home team at the neutral site.

Dallas leads after each quarter

Houston held several early advantages, but Dallas finished the first quarter with a 28-27 lead. The Mavericks then separated from a 31-31 tie in the second quarter, scoring the next eight points and moving ahead 39-31. Dallas led 58-51 at halftime after outscoring Houston 30-24 in the period.

The Rockets made their strongest push in the third. Houston moved in front 66-64 and later led 72-71, but Dallas regained the advantage and closed the quarter with a 95-85 lead. The Mavericks scored 37 points in the third, compared with 34 for Houston.

Fourth-quarter finish

Dallas added 37 more points in the fourth quarter while holding Houston to 30. The Rockets cut the deficit to 97-91 early in the period, but the Mavericks extended their lead to 114-103 and then to 121-105. Dallas finished with the 17-point victory, 132-115.

Leaders and records

Smart's 20 points were the highest total for Houston. Amen Thompson had six assists, and Jabari Smith Jr. recorded nine rebounds for the Rockets.

For Dallas, Irving had 17 points, Cooper Flagg had seven assists and Sergio de Larrea collected seven rebounds. Houston and Dallas are each 1-1 in the preseason.

Sources

ESPN