HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets capitalized on the absence of Dallas Mavericks stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to secure a commanding 122-96 victory on Friday night. Alperen Sengun led the charge with a dominant double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds, guiding the Rockets to snap a three-game losing streak and improve their record to 14-12. Meanwhile, the Mavericks, missing their key players, fell to 16-12 after their third consecutive loss.
Doncic was sidelined due to a strained left quad, and Irving missed his seventh straight game with a right heel contusion. Their absence marked the first game this season where both stars were out, significantly impacting the Mavericks’ performance.
Sengun’s aggressive start set the tone for the Rockets, who focused their attack in the paint, outscoring the Mavericks 66-50. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 21 points and eight rebounds, while Jalen Green added 17 points. Rockets coach Ime Udoka praised the chemistry and versatility of Sengun and Smith, noting their effective collaboration on the court.
Dallas’ Olivier-Maxence Prosper led his team with 20 points off the bench. Dexter Dennis added 18 points, and Richaun Holmes and Tim Hardaway Jr. each scored 16 points. However, the Mavericks struggled with their shooting, making only 27.8% from the field and 3 of 24 three-point attempts in the first half.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd highlighted the challenges of creating scoring opportunities without their key playmakers, emphasizing the team’s need to adjust and find ways to create shots, especially if Doncic remains unavailable.
The Rockets excelled in fast-break points, recording a season-high of 29, and controlled the game throughout, leading 56-39 at halftime and extending their advantage to 89-60 by the end of the third quarter.
All but one of the 14 Rockets players scored during the game, with fan-favorite Boban Marjanovic remaining on the bench despite chants from the Toyota Center crowd. The Mavericks were also missing Dante Exum due to injury, while the Rockets were without Tari Eason.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will host San Antonio on Saturday night, hoping to bounce back, while the Rockets take on New Orleans in their next matchup.
