Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Dallas MavericksOpen full analysis
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 110–104 on January 3 at the American Airlines Center in a defensive battle that finished well below the Vegas total of 228.5 points. A.Davis led Dallas with 26 points while M.Christie added 24, as the Mavericks shot 55 percent from the field and made 8 three-pointers to control the game through three quarters, outscoring Houston 87–75 before a fourth-quarter surge by the Rockets fell short. K.Durant paced Houston with 34 points and A.Thompson contributed 20, but the Rockets' 38.7 percent shooting and 15 turnovers proved costly despite grabbing 51 rebounds and forcing 13 steals. Dallas's second quarter proved decisive, outscoring Houston 32–19 to build separation, and the Mavericks' defensive rating of 99.4 held firm down the stretch. Houston's third-quarter push cut the deficit to single digits, but Dallas's balanced attack—24 assists and 10 blocks—proved sufficient to secure the win. The result keeps Dallas in playoff positioning while Houston's shooting struggles and turnover issues will need correction in upcoming contests.
