The Houston Rockets secured a 110-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, marking their fourth consecutive win after starting the season 0-2. Amen Thompson led Houston with a season-high 27 points, while Alperen Sengun contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds.
The Rockets held a narrow one-point lead when Sengun drove into the lane, spun past a defender, and scored to make it 105-102 with about 90 seconds remaining. After Washington missed a three-pointer, Josh Okogie added two free throws, pushing the lead to 107-102 one minute before the buzzer.
D’Angelo Russell missed a three-point shot; Thompson made one of two free throws, extending the lead to 108-102 with 27 seconds left. Thompson then blocked a three-point attempt by No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, and Tari Eason sealed the win with a dunk.
Kevin Durant scored 21 points with six rebounds and five assists but struggled with his shooting, hitting 6 of 18 shots. Durant made his first three-pointer of the night after missing six attempts, then followed with another to bring the Mavericks within 99-94 with five minutes left.
"Houston has won four straight after dropping its first two games of the season."
Author’s summary: Houston Rockets' balanced offense and key plays by Thompson and Sengun secured their fourth straight win as the Mavericks struggled without Anthony Davis.