The Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 110-99 on Wednesday night, capitalizing on the absence of Luka Doncic to secure their 22nd win of the season. The victory brought Houston back on track after two consecutive losses.
Alperen Sengun led the charge with 23 points, while Jalen Green added 22. Dillon Brooks contributed 19 points, and Cam Whitmore provided a spark off the bench with 18.
Dallas struggled without Doncic, who is sidelined for at least a month due to a calf strain. Quentin Grimes paced the Mavericks with 17 points off the bench, while Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving added 16 each in their return from brief absences.
The Rockets’ efficiency from the free-throw line played a crucial role in the outcome. Houston made 18 of 23 attempts, while Dallas hit just 8 of 16. Additionally, Houston forced 20 turnovers, which they converted into 22 points, further hampering the Mavericks’ chances.
Despite the return of Irving, Thompson, and Dereck Lively II, Dallas couldn’t overcome their offensive inconsistency. Naji Marshall’s continued suspension and Doncic’s absence exposed the team’s depth issues.
Fred VanVleet played a facilitating role with seven assists despite scoring just five points for the Rockets. Jabari Smith Jr. added 12 points, while Steven Adams grabbed crucial rebounds during his limited minutes.
The win moves the Rockets to 22-11, solidifying their position in the Western Conference playoff race. Dallas, now 20-14, must regroup quickly as they navigate a tough stretch without their franchise player.
