DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are beginning to find their rhythm, and Friday night’s performance against the Houston Rockets offered another reason for optimism.
Behind explosive performances from Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, Dallas secured a 116-111 victory over Houston, extending its winning streak to three games.
Irving delivered a game-high 35 points, while Flagg added 33 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The duo provided the offensive firepower Dallas needed to withstand a Houston team led by veteran superstar Kevin Durant.
The victory moves Dallas to two games above .500 for the first time since March 3, 2025, when Irving suffered a season-ending ACL injury. It also marks an encouraging early-season turnaround for a Mavericks team that managed only two winning streaks of at least three games last season.
The Mavericks’ biggest response came after Houston seized momentum in the second quarter. Dallas entered the fourth quarter trailing but turned the game around with a 40-point final period, outscoring the Rockets 40-27 to complete the comeback.
Irving was instrumental in the closing stretch. He scored 26 of his 35 points after halftime, including the go-ahead jumper that put Dallas in front 102-100 with just over two minutes remaining.
Flagg proved equally important when the game was on the line. His timely baskets helped Dallas maintain its advantage, while his ability to contribute as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator continued to demonstrate his growing impact.
The two combined for 27 fourth-quarter points, giving Dallas the offensive punch it needed to finish the job.
Flagg continues historic start
At just 19 years old, Flagg is already establishing himself among the NBA’s most productive young players.
His 33-point performance marked his third consecutive game with at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists, matching Luka Dončić for the most such performances in the league this season.
Flagg finished 13-of-19 from the field and added seven free throws, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and one blocked shot.
He now has 13 career 30-point performances, placing him second among teenagers in NBA history behind LeBron James, who recorded 20.
Irving delivers when Dallas needs him most
Irving’s 35-point outing was his first game reaching that mark since February 25, 2025. He connected on 12 of 19 shots, including five 3-pointers, and converted all six of his free throws.
Beyond his scoring, Irving contributed nine assists and four rebounds. His veteran presence and late-game execution were critical in securing the victory.
Daniel Gafford also provided a significant contribution inside, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots. His defensive presence helped Dallas limit Houston’s opportunities around the basket.
Defense makes a difference
Dallas’ defensive effort deserves recognition.
After limiting Oklahoma City to just five 3-pointers in its previous outing, the Mavericks continued their perimeter defensive improvement against Houston. The Rockets managed just seven makes on 29 attempts from beyond the arc, shooting 24.1 percent.
Kevin Durant led Houston with 28 points and five rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 22 points. However, Houston’s offensive struggles from the perimeter and missed opportunities at the free-throw line proved costly.
The Mavericks also reached another offensive milestone, scoring at least 110 points in five of their first six games. Only the 2023-24 team had a better start in that category, recording six such performances.
A promising early-season statement
For Dallas, this victory represents more than another entry in the win column. Beating Houston, particularly after the Rockets opened the season undefeated, gives the Mavericks another important early-season confidence boost.
The combination of Irving’s experience and Flagg’s emerging star power is becoming an intriguing foundation for this team.
Dallas now has three consecutive victories and an opportunity to continue building momentum as the season progresses.
The Mavericks will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Monday.
