Rockets build their cushion
Tari Eason scored 20 points, and the Houston Rockets used a 38-point second quarter to pull away from the Dallas Mavericks for a 135-117 victory Friday at Venetian Arena. Houston led 27-19 after the opening quarter, then expanded its advantage with a 38-26 edge in the second.
The Rockets carried a 65-45 lead into halftime. Eason added to Houston’s attack as the game progressed, while Alperen Sengun contributed 10 assists and 10 rebounds. Houston’s 1-0 record matched the result, while Dallas dropped to 0-1.
Dallas trims the margin
The Mavericks answered with a 35-point third quarter, one more than Houston’s 34, but still entered the final period behind 99-80. Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 19 points, and Dwight Powell finished with eight assists. Zaccharie Risacher had eight rebounds for the Mavericks.
Dallas scored 37 points in the fourth quarter, again edging Houston’s total for the period. The Rockets scored 36, however, preserving the 18-point final margin. Houston finished with 135 points to Dallas’ 117.
