Durant, Smith Jr. lead Rockets to 128-110 season opener win over Mavs

A Dominant Start for Houston

The Houston Rockets began their 2026-27 campaign with a commanding 128-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, October 21, at Toyota Center. The home team, now 1-0 on the season, outscored the visiting Mavericks, who dropped to 0-1, by 18 points in front of a crowd of 18,055.

The game featured a high-scoring first half for Houston, which led 70-38 at the break, establishing a lead that Dallas was unable to overcome despite a spirited third-quarter effort.

Scoring and Key Performers

Kevin Durant was the offensive engine for the Rockets, finishing with 30 points. He was supported by Jabari Smith Jr., who also recorded 30 points, creating a potent duo that anchored Houston's attack. Fred VanVleet orchestrated the offense with 11 assists, while Alperen Sengun contributed a double-double with 10 rebounds.

On the other side of the ball, Dallas's Cooper Flagg led all scorers with 32 points. Naji Marshall provided the Mavericks with 6 assists, and Zaccharie Risacher matched that number with 6 rebounds. The scoring was distributed across the roster, with players like Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic also contributing significantly to Houston's offensive balance.

Game Flow and Final Stretch

The Rockets controlled the pace early, leading 32-26 after the first quarter. They extended their advantage in the second period, outscoring Dallas 38-12 to build a substantial cushion. Although the Mavericks rallied in the third quarter, scoring 38 points to Houston's 30, the deficit remained too large to close.

Dallas managed to score 34 points in the fourth quarter, but the Rockets held firm with 28 points of their own to secure the win. The final score stood at 128 for Houston and 110 for Dallas, marking a successful start to the season for the home team.

Season Context

This contest served as the season opener for both franchises. The Rockets improved their record to 1-0, while the Mavericks fell to 0-1. The game highlighted the depth and scoring ability of the Houston roster, with multiple players contributing in double figures.

The Mavericks, despite a strong individual performance from Flagg, were unable to contain the Rockets' offensive firepower throughout the four quarters. The result sets the tone for the remainder of the season, with Houston demonstrating early effectiveness in their home arena.

Sources

ESPN