Everyone contributes! KD scores 13 points, Sengun records a double-double, Flagg puts up 34 points in a losing effort, Rockets have six players in double figures to defeat the Mavericks

On February 1st, Beijing time, during the NBA regular season, the Rockets played at home against the Mavericks. The Rockets dominated the court in the first half, but the Mavericks started closing the gap in the third quarter. In the last quarter, Flagg stood out with an impressive solo effort, while the Rockets relied on contributions from all players. Ultimately, after four intense quarters, the Rockets triumphed 111-107 against the Mavericks.

Statistics:

Mavericks: Flagg scored 34 points with 12 rebounds and 5 assists, Gafford contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, Christie added 11 points, Clay scored 9, and Williams had 13 points.

Rockets: Durant posted 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists; Smith scored 19 points with 8 rebounds; Sengun achieved 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists; Eason added 17 points; Amen contributed 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists; Okogie scored 13 points.

Game progression:

At the start of the first quarter, both teams were locked in a tight battle. The Mavericks briefly took the lead, but the Rockets quickly responded with a 9-0 run to go ahead. Flagg completed a 2+1 floater to stop the bleeding. The Mavericks then countered with a 10-2 run to retake the lead. Okogie's clutch floater regained the lead for the Rockets again. The teams fought evenly to a 28-28 tie, and in the last minute, the Rockets capitalized on a Mavericks flagrant foul to score 3 points. The first quarter ended with the Rockets leading 31-28.

In the second quarter, Shepard hit a mid-range jumper to extend the lead, but the Mavericks answered with a 7-2 run to even the score again. The teams then engaged in another back-and-forth battle. The Rockets pulled ahead with an 11-3 run, increasing their lead to 8 points. Gafford's dunk finally stopped the Mavericks' slump. In the final moments of the quarter, the Rockets denied the Mavericks any scoring chances. At halftime, the Rockets led 59-51.

At the start of the third quarter, it was confirmed that Williams would not return due to injury; he scored 13 points in the first half, which was a big blow for the Mavericks. Early in the quarter, Durant hit a two-point shot to push the lead into double digits. The Rockets maintained this double-digit advantage throughout the quarter, while the Mavericks relied heavily on Flagg to keep the gap manageable. Near the end of the quarter, the Mavericks went on a 9-2 scoring run to narrow the deficit to 6 points, but Okogie hit a three-pointer and Martin responded strongly with his own three. After three quarters, the Rockets still led 87-82.

In the final quarter, the Rockets started with a 9-3 run to stretch their lead back to double digits. Clay hit a crucial three-pointer to stop the Mavericks' momentum. Amen's dunk maintained the 10-point gap, but Flagg kept scoring key baskets to keep the game close. Durant then made a critical mid-range jumper to force a Mavericks timeout. After the break, the Rockets made several turnovers, allowing the Mavericks to score 6 straight points and cut the lead to 2. Amen's powerful dunk stopped the bleeding, followed by Flagg's layup and Marshall's layup, tying the game at 107. Sengun scored on a strong drive, Flagg missed a layup, and Eason sealed the game with a dunk. The game ended with the Rockets winning 111-107 over the Mavericks.

Starting lineups for both teams:

Mavericks: Flagg, Washington, Gafford, Marshall, Christie

Rockets: Durant, Smith, Sengun, Eason, Amen