Rockets seize control in second quarter
Tari Eason scored 20 points, and the Houston Rockets turned a strong second quarter into a 135-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Houston outscored Dallas 38-26 in the second quarter to take a 65-45 halftime lead after holding a 27-19 advantage through the opening period.
The Rockets opened the game with the first nine points, all on baskets by Fred VanVleet, before Dallas answered with a 3-pointer from Max Christie. Houston maintained its early cushion and led 27-19 after one quarter.
Houston extends its lead
Dallas scored the first four points of the second quarter to cut the deficit to four, but Houston responded with a run that pushed its advantage well beyond 20 points. Alperen Sengun contributed 10 assists and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, while Eason added to the margin with scoring throughout the game.
The Mavericks narrowed the gap slightly in the third quarter, but Houston still outscored Dallas 34-35? Actually Dallas scored 35 and Houston scored 34 in the period, leaving the Rockets ahead 99-80 entering the fourth. Houston then added 36 points in the final quarter, while Dallas scored 37.
