Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
The Houston Rockets edged the Dallas Mavericks 111–107 on January 31 at Toyota Center in a defensive struggle that fell four points short of the 222.5 Vegas total. A. Thompson led Houston with 21 points while J. Smith Jr. added 19, but the Rockets' 41.7 percent field-goal efficiency and 10 three-pointers proved sufficient against a Dallas squad that shot 44.6 percent. C. Flagg paced the Mavericks with 34 points and D. Gafford contributed 16, yet Dallas's 11 turnovers to Houston's five proved costly in a close contest. Houston's defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, holding Dallas to just 25 points after the Mavericks scored 31 in the third, while the Rockets' 109.3 offensive rating and 103.4 defensive rating bookended a balanced effort. Houston's 33 assists on 111 points and five-steal advantage underscored ball movement and perimeter pressure that Dallas couldn't match with only 19 assists. The victory keeps Houston competitive in the West standings.
