The Houston Rockets (14-12) capitalized on the sidelined Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, routing the Dallas Mavericks (16-12) 122-96 on Friday night, with Alperen Sengun’s stellar 22-point, 15-rebound performance leading the charge.
Doncic’s absence due to a strained left quad and Irving’s prolonged sideline stint with a right heel contusion proved decisive, marking the first time both stars missed the same game this season.
Houston, snapping a three-game losing streak, showcased a well-rounded effort with Jabari Smith Jr. contributing 21 points and eight rebounds, and Jalen Green adding 17 points.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper led Dallas with 20 points off the bench, making just 15 of 54 shots and going 3 of 24 from beyond the arc.
The Rockets’ balanced performance saw 13 of 14 players scoring, emphasizing their depth and versatility, while Dallas faced challenges without Dante Exum (left lower leg contusion) and the Rockets missing Tari Eason (left lower leg soreness).
