HOUSTON, Texas — The Dallas Mavericks opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a 128-110 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, struggling to recover from a costly second quarter.
Houston outscored Dallas 38-12 in the second period to take a commanding halftime lead. Despite a stronger effort after the break, the Mavericks could not close the gap.
Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 32 points, while Marcus Sasser added 17 off the bench. Kyrie Irving contributed 15 points in his return to regular-season action.
Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. paced Houston with 30 points apiece, while Alperen Sengun finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Dallas will look to bounce back Friday night against the Indiana Pacers.
