Rockets rout Mavericks 128-110 in season opener at Toyota Center

Rockets dominate season opener

The Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 128-110 on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Toyota Center in Houston. The home team improved to a 1-0 record, while the visiting Mavericks fell to 0-1 in their season opener. A crowd of 18,055 witnessed the decisive victory, which was driven by a balanced offensive effort from the Rockets and a strong statistical performance from their stars.

Durant and VanVleet lead the charge

Kevin Durant was the standout scorer for Houston, finishing the game with 30 points. His performance was supported by elite playmaking from Fred VanVleet, who recorded 11 assists. Alperen Sengun also contributed significantly on the glass, securing 10 rebounds.

The combination of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding helped the Rockets control the pace of the game. The Mavericks were led by Cooper Flagg, who scored 32 points, but the team was unable to match Houston’s overall execution. Naji Marshall added 6 assists for Dallas, while Zaccharie Risacher collected 6 rebounds.

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown

The Rockets established an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead 32-26. They extended their advantage in the second period, outscoring Dallas 38-12 to take a 70-38 lead into halftime. In the third quarter, the Mavericks attempted a comeback, scoring 38 points to Houston’s 30, but the gap remained significant.

Houston continued its efficient offense in the fourth quarter, outscoring Dallas 28-34, though the earlier deficit proved too large to overcome. The final score remained 128-110 in favor of the home team.

Final records and context

This victory marks the Rockets’ first win of the season, setting the tone for their campaign. The Mavericks, despite a solid individual effort from Flagg, dropped their opening contest. The game featured several key plays, including three-pointers from both teams, but Houston’s ability to convert opportunities and limit turnovers was the deciding factor.

With the Rockets now 1-0 and the Mavericks at 0-1, both teams will look to build on this result as the season progresses.

Sources

ESPN