Introduction to the Game
The first meeting of the season between the Mavericks and Houston Rockets was a clash between two vastly different offenses. Dallas entered Monday’s matchup with the worst offensive rating in the NBA at 104.5, while the new-look Rockets boasted the best offensive rating in the league (127.9). What started as a competitive game between Southwest Division rivals ended in another loss for the Mavericks as they were defeated 110-102 at the Toyota Center.
Performance of the Mavericks
A lot went well for Dallas, which dropped to 2-5. PJ Washington made a statement, leading the Mavericks with season-highs in points (29) and rebounds (12). Max Christie was a constant source of offense, especially from beyond the arc. Dallas was successful in transition, finishing with a season-high 24 fast break points. To stay updated with the latest news on the Mavericks, fans can sign up for the newsletter, agreeing to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
The Rockets’ Advantage
However, more worked in the Rockets’ favor. Houston received 91 points from their starters, led by Amen Thompson who finished with 27 points, five rebounds and four assists. The third-year guard used his athleticism to constantly attack Dallas’ shorthanded frontcourt. An eye-popping example of Thompson’s explosiveness occurred in the second quarter when he saved a pass from going out of bounds by passing to Alperen Sengun. The Rockets big man quickly threw the ball toward the rim and Thompson caught it for a reverse alley-oop. It was part of a balanced performance for Sengun, who finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Kevin Durant totaled 21 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Coach Jason Kidd’s Perspective
“Everybody talks about [Thompson’s] defense, but I think his offense has grown,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “He takes advantage of the 1-on-1 situations that he’s in. He gets to the paint, which leads to layups or free throws. He’s definitely improved his game and the Rockets trust that he’s going to make the right play.” Three-pointers were hard to come by for both teams on Monday, but Houston feasted at the rim with 62 paint points.
Key Players’ Performances
Washington had his best game of the season. The seventh-year forward often penetrated the paint with ease. His floater was efficient and he was successful finishing through contact. Washington had two dunks in transition over Durant, including a pivotal slam in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 99. After the game, Washington said he wanted to be assertive since the majority of Houston’s defensive schemes were zone coverages. “My teammates told me to be aggressive, so that’s all I did,” Washington said.
Injuries and Scoring
Flagg had his best first half of his career, scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, which included two 3-pointers. He banked in a triple from the top of the key in the final minute of the first half and smiled as he backpedaled down the floor. That’s where the fun stopped for Flagg, who had a collision with Tari Eason that led to him nursing his left shoulder. Flagg injured the same shoulder Oct. 27 against Oklahoma City. He didn’t score in the second half, finishing with 12 points and five rebounds on 5-of-10 shooting.
Coach Kidd on Player Performance
“For Cooper, I think the ball was finding PJ and he took full advantage of the situation,” Kidd said. “I thought Cooper played a great game on both ends…Down the stretch, he made the right plays. Unfortunately PJ’s going & D-Lo [D’Angelo Russell] has the ball. You trust that he’s going to make the right plays.” The Mavericks had another injury scare in the third quarter when Daniel Gafford came up hobbling after contesting a shot. He walked to the locker room and missed the remainder of the third quarter, but returned in time to start the fourth.
Injury Update
It was a natural cause of concern since Monday marked his second game this season after recovering from a sprained right ankle. Gafford finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and three blocks. “A lot of discomfort,” Gafford said when describing the pain in his right ankle. “Came down wrong. Walked it off. Got it to a point to where I felt good running on it. Just had to get myself locked back in mentally.” Dallas entered the night averaging 108.2 points, which ranked 27th in the NBA. With their two All-Stars sidelined, the Mavericks are naturally having trouble manufacturing offense.
Coach Kidd’s Advice
Kidd said the team needs to remain consistent despite their team-wide shooting slump. “You just gotta keep playing. You gotta keep taking the shots. You gotta keep making the right plays,” Kidd said. “Make or miss, if you make the right plays, good things will happen. I thought we made a lot of good plays down the stretch. We just couldn’t get the stop or we couldn’t make the shot. It happens. We just gotta stay together.” Dallas will get somewhat of a reprieve Wednesday night when the winless New Orleans Pelicans, who rank 27th in offensive rating, visit American Airlines Center.
Conclusion
The game between the Mavericks and the Houston Rockets showcased the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Despite a strong performance from PJ Washington and other key players, the Mavericks struggled to keep up with the Rockets’ offense, leading to a 110-102 loss. As the season progresses, the Mavericks will need to address their offensive issues and work on consistency to improve their standings.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game between the Mavericks and the Houston Rockets?
A: The final score was 110-102 in favor of the Houston Rockets.
Q: Who led the Mavericks in points and rebounds?
A: PJ Washington led the Mavericks with season-highs in points (29) and rebounds (12).
Q: What was the key to the Rockets’ success in the game?
A: The Rockets’ ability to score at the rim, with 62 paint points, was a significant factor in their victory.
Q: Did any Mavericks players suffer injuries during the game?
A: Yes, Flagg injured his left shoulder, and Daniel Gafford experienced discomfort in his right ankle but was able to return to the game.
Q: What is the Mavericks’ current standing in the NBA in terms of points averaged per game?
A: The Mavericks are currently averaging 108.2 points per game, which ranks 27th in the NBA.
