Rockets Counter Mavericks comeback for impressive Western Conference win

The Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 108-102 in a huge win.

The Rockets had their best half of the season in the first half, starting the game 16-9 before a timeout was called.

Houston did a good job with Luka Doncic in the first half, thanks to Amen Thompson. The sophomore guard played phenomenal defense on Doncic, missing the first three shots he attempted on him.

Dillon Brooks also stood out in the first half. He had 11 points and was strong on defense. The Rockets secured their double-digit lead on a three from Brooks.

Tari Eason’s presence on the bench was also felt in the first half. He had 10 points and three rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting. Cam Whitmore hit his first three of the season on a step-back against Daniel Gafford, giving Houston a 14-point lead early in the second.

In what was a key moment in the first half, Udoka used his challenge on a defensive shooting foul on Alperen Sengun, who was trying to block Jaden Hary’s layup, and ultimately had it tipped over. The challenge was successful and the call was changed to an offensive foul on Hardy.

Rebounds were also huge for the Rockets. They finished the first half with 24 to Dallas’ 16.

Early in the second half, Doncic got himself into foul trouble with four after chasing Alperen Sengun. The Mavericks ran a rotation with Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and Dwight Powell. Gafford and Dereck Lively II were also in foul trouble.

Eason rose to the challenge of guarding Thompson and the Rockets went on a 14-5 run.

Dallas started the fourth quarter hot on a three from Irving and then a fastbreak layup from Doncic. They cut the 23-point lead to 11 and Udoka called a timeout.

Going on a 10-2 run, the Mavericks got as close as four, giving them all the momentum in the building.

After a timeout late in the fourth quarter, the score 98-94, Udoka subbed in Thompson and Eason. That immediately led to a clutch block from Eason that led to a layup from Green.

Green hit a clutch three to give the Rockets a two-position lead after Doncic hit a three. Doncic then hit a three right after.

Thompson hit a clutch fadeaway bucket to give Houston a five-point lead with 40.0 seconds left, followed by a fadeaway by Brooks with 17.9 seconds left.

Green set the franchise record for most threes through the first five games of a season with 22.

The Rockets will face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tipping is set for 7:00 PM CST.

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