Tari Eason’s 20 Points Help Rockets Beat Mavericks 135-117

Rockets Take Control Early

Tari Eason scored 20 points, and the Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Houston, the visiting team, led 27-19 after the first quarter and never trailed after Fred VanVleet opened the game with three consecutive 3-pointers.

The Rockets extended their advantage in the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 38-26 to take a 65-45 lead into halftime. Eason added a 3-pointer late in the period, while Alperen Sengun contributed a layup, dunk and two free throws during Houston’s second-quarter run.

Dallas Cuts Into the Margin

The Mavericks responded with a 35-point third quarter, but Houston still added 34 points and entered the final period ahead 99-80. Cooper Flagg scored 19 points for Dallas, and Max Christie made three 3-pointers in the quarter. Houston’s Reed Sheppard made three 3-pointers in the period, including two during a stretch that helped preserve the Rockets’ lead.

Dallas scored 37 points in the fourth quarter, but Houston matched the home team’s early production and finished with 36 points. Bruce Thornton made several baskets for the Rockets in the final period, including a 3-pointer that put Houston ahead 135-115 before Sergio de Larrea’s layup closed the scoring.

Leaders and Records

Sengun finished with 10 assists and 10 rebounds for Houston. Dwight Powell recorded eight assists for Dallas, while Zaccharie Risacher had eight rebounds. The scoring plays also included 20 points from Eason, who helped Houston maintain its advantage throughout the game.

The Rockets improved to 1-0, while the Mavericks fell to 0-1. Attendance at Venetian Arena was 11,564.

Sources

ESPN