Tari Eason Scores 20 as Rockets Defeat Mavericks 135-117

Eason powers Houston

20 points from Tari Eason helped the visiting Houston Rockets defeat the home Dallas Mavericks 135-117 on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Venetian Arena. Houston also received 10 assists and 10 rebounds from Alperen Sengun in the victory before an attendance of 11,564.

The Rockets took control early and maintained the advantage throughout the game. Houston led Dallas 27-19 after the first quarter, then added to its margin with a 38-26 second quarter. That produced a 65-45 Houston lead at halftime.

Dallas trims the margin

Dallas responded with its best offensive quarter after halftime, scoring 35 points in the third. Houston still scored 34 in the period, however, and carried a 99-80 advantage into the fourth quarter.

The Mavericks again edged the Rockets in the final period, 37-36. The late scoring narrowed the gap slightly, but Houston's first-half cushion held through the final buzzer for the 18-point victory.

Flagg leads Dallas scoring

Cooper Flagg scored 19 points for Dallas. Dwight Powell finished with eight assists, while Zaccharie Risacher had eight rebounds for the Mavericks.

Sengun's 10 assists and 10 rebounds gave Houston a pair of double-digit totals from its leading playmaker and rebounder. Eason's 20 points were the highest scoring total listed for either team.

The result left the Rockets with a 1-0 record and the Mavericks at 0-1.

Sources

ESPN