Rockets Defeat Mavericks 128-110 in Season Opener

Rockets Take Control in Season Debut

The Houston Rockets claimed their first victory of the 2026-27 season, defeating the visiting Dallas Mavericks 128-110 on Wednesday at Toyota Center. Kevin Durant led the offense with 30 points, providing the scoring punch necessary to overcome a resilient Mavericks squad. The home team finished the night with a 1-0 record, while the Mavericks dropped to 0-1 in their season opener.

Early Momentum Shifts

The game began with the Mavericks establishing an early lead, taking a 26-0 advantage in the first quarter before the Rockets began to answer. Houston closed the first frame with a 32-26 lead, fueled by a strong start from Durant and Alperen Sengun. The second quarter saw the Rockets extend their advantage significantly.

Houston outscored Dallas 38-12 during that period, building a substantial cushion that would define the rest of the contest. By halftime, the Rockets held a commanding 70-38 lead, having dominated the second half of the first half of the game.

Sustained Offense

The third quarter saw the Mavericks attempt a comeback, scoring 38 points to the Rockets' 30. However, the damage was already done. Houston's defense and offensive execution remained solid, keeping the game out of reach.

Durant continued to be a focal point, while Fred VanVleet orchestrated the offense with 11 assists. Alperen Sengun contributed a double-double, recording 10 rebounds to secure the boards. The Mavericks' Cooper Flagg led the visitors with 32 points, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.

Final Stretch and Result

In the fourth quarter, the Mavericks scored 34 points, their highest total of the game, but the Rockets managed the clock effectively, scoring 28 points to seal the win. Naji Marshall provided the Mavericks with 6 assists, while Zaccharie Risacher led the team with 6 rebounds. The final score of 128-110 reflected the Rockets' superior execution across all facets of the game.

The attendance at Toyota Center was 18,055, with fans witnessing a strong start to the season for the home team. The Rockets' balanced attack, led by Durant's scoring and VanVleet's playmaking, set the tone for a successful opener. The Mavericks will look to bounce back in their next matchup, but for now, the Rockets enjoy a perfect start to their campaign.

Sources

ESPN