Smart Leads Houston
Marcus Smart scored 20 points, but the Houston Rockets fell 132-115 to the visiting Dallas Mavericks on Sunday at Venetian Arena. The Rockets trailed 28-27 after the first quarter and could not keep pace as Dallas built its lead. Amen Thompson added six assists for Houston, while Jabari Smith Jr. collected nine rebounds.
The Rockets were within one after the opening period, but Dallas controlled the second quarter. The Mavericks outscored Houston 30-24 in the frame and took a 58-51 advantage into halftime. Kyrie Irving led Dallas with 17 points, and Cooper Flagg had seven assists.
Dallas Pulls Away
Houston opened the third quarter with a free throw from Smart and a 3-pointer by Reed Sheppard, then moved within one at 58-57 on a Smith jump shot. The Rockets later took a 66-64 lead after a 3-pointer by Thompson, but Dallas answered and finished the quarter ahead 95-85.
The Mavericks extended the margin in the fourth quarter, outscoring Houston 37-30. Dallas led 102-94 after a 3-pointer by Zaccharie Risacher and later pushed the advantage to 121-105 on a 3-pointer by Seth Lundy. Tarik Biberovic’s running layup made it 132-113 before Oscar Tshiebwe closed the scoring with Houston’s final basket.
