Dallas Mavericks edge Houston Rockets 116-111 behind Irving's 35 points

Game Summary

The Dallas Mavericks secured a 116-111 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets on Friday, October 30, 2026. The win improved Dallas to a 4-2 record, while Houston dropped to 5-1. Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 35 points and contributed nine assists for the home team. Kevin Durant topped the Rockets with 28 points.

First Half Action

Dallas opened strong, taking a 27-20 lead after the first quarter despite early scoring from Houston’s Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson. The Rockets rallied in the second quarter, outscoring Dallas 31-17 to take a 51-44 halftime lead. Tari Eason provided significant interior presence for Houston, finishing with 13 rebounds.

Third Quarter Shift

The Mavericks tightened their defense in the third period, holding Houston to just 17 points while scoring 20 themselves. The quarter ended with Dallas trailing 78-71. Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving continued to attack the rim, while P.J. Washington grabbed 10 rebounds for Dallas.

Fourth Quarter Finish

Dallas exploded for 40 points in the final frame to seal the win. Irving hit crucial shots late, including a three-pointer and free throws to extend the lead. The Rockets fought back with scoring from Durant and VanVleet, but could not overcome the deficit. The game drew an attendance of 18,832 at American Airlines Center.

Sources

ESPN