NBA Finals Scores and Recaps: Rockets down Mavs 108-102 for second straight win

This was a bit of an early season prove-it game for the Houston Rockets as they were on the road against cross-state rival and Western Conference contender. Dallas Mavericksand the Rockets rose to the occasion for a 108-102 victory.

Houston got off to a fast start and then managed a Dallas comeback due to their defense and rebounding. The Rockets won the board battle in this one, with a 50-37 edge, including an 18-10 advantage on the offensive glass. Houston’s offense wasn’t great as they shot just 41.2 percent as a team, with Jabari Smith Jr. the only starter to shoot 50 percent or better, while the Rockets also shot just 8-for-34 from deep.

And while the Rockets’ defense allowed Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to score 29 and 28 points, respectively, no other Maverick scored in double figures other than Klay Thompson, who had 12 on just 2-for-9 from deep.

As for the Rockets, they were once again led by Jalen Green, who finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. He wasn’t incredibly efficient, going just 9-for-21 from the field and 3-for-8 from deep, but he continues to show so far this season that he deserved his new extension.

Houston also got 17 points, 12 boards and 4 assists from Alperen Sengun. However, he was just 5-for-16 from the field as Alpie continues to try to find his footing this year.

Dillon Brooks also had 17, but he was just 6-for-15 from the field and 2-for-9 from deep. He brought some spark though with some Dillon the Villain stuff. Tari Eason had 15 off the bench on 6-for-10 shooting as he continues to make a case for himself, while Jabari Smith finished with 14 points and 6 boards on 5-for-10 from the field. However, he was just 1-for-5 from deep. Amen Thompson rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 on 4-for-5 shooting.

Fred VanVleet laid another egg for the Rockets, playing 39 minutes but scoring just 4 points on 2-for-13 from the field and 0-for-7 from deep. He also only had 4 assists. Fred is averaging just 12.6 points and 5.8 assists on 30 percent shooting so far this season. It’s pretty early, but it’s not the kind of numbers that will make a GM pick up your $44 million team option.

But that’s a conversation for another day. For now, take solace in the fact that the Rockets are coming off back-to-back wins against fellow Texans, San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks, both on the road, and they seem to be coming into their own, especially on defense.

They will be back in action on Saturday against Golden State Warriors.