The Houston Rockets opened their preseason campaign with a convincing 135-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA China Game at Venetian Arena in Macao on Friday.
Houston established control early, outscoring Dallas 38-26 in the second quarter to take a 65-45 halftime lead. The Rockets maintained their advantage after the break, scoring at least 34 points in each of the final three quarters to secure a comfortable win.
Alperen Sengun delivered an all-around performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in 22 minutes. The Rockets center shot 6-of-9 from the field and helped orchestrate an offense that finished with 36 assists on 47 made field goals.
Fred VanVleet contributed 17 points and seven assists, connecting on five of his 12 three-point attempts. Kevin Durant added 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting in 23 minutes, while Jabari Smith Jr. scored 12 points and made two three-pointers.
Amen Thompson finished with eight points, seven rebounds and two assists, although he committed six turnovers in 24 minutes.
Houston’s bench added significant production, with Tari Eason leading all scorers with 20 points. He shot 6-of-10 from the field, made both of his three-point attempts and converted six of seven free throws while collecting nine rebounds.
Reed Sheppard added 16 points, including four three-pointers on seven attempts, in 19 minutes. Bruce Thornton scored 13 points in nine minutes, making three of his four field-goal attempts from beyond the arc.
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The Rockets shot 55% from the field and 50% from three-point range, making 18 of 36 attempts from beyond the arc. Their offensive efficiency helped them build a lead that reached 30 points during the fourth quarter.
Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes. The Mavericks sophomore shot 7-of-14 from the field and made all four of his free throws, but his team struggled to keep pace with Houston’s scoring.
Naji Marshall added 16 points, while Max Christie finished with 14 points and four three-pointers. Tobi Lawal contributed 13 points off the bench, and Sergio de Larrea recorded 11 points and six assists.
Dallas shot 47% overall but made just 35% of its three-point attempts, going 18-of-51 from long range. The Mavericks also converted only 11 of 17 free throws.
Houston’s 20-point halftime advantage proved decisive. Dallas scored 35 points in the third quarter and 37 in the fourth, but the Rockets matched that late production and finished with an 18-point victory.
The result gives Houston a 1-0 start to its preseason, while Dallas begins its exhibition schedule at 0-1. The teams will meet again on Sunday in Macao as part of the NBA’s international preseason program.
