On January 2, 2025, Beijing time, the NBA regular season saw a match between the 21-11 Rockets and the 20-13 Mavericks. Both teams were on a two-game losing streak and were eager to bounce back. Who would win this battle? The Rockets' Thompson was suspended and Ison was out due to injury, with the starting lineup being VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon, Smith, and Shen Jing. On the Mavericks' side, Doncic was out due to injury and Marshall was suspended, with the starting lineup being Irving, Dinwiddie, Clay, Washington, and Lively.
In the first quarter, Lively scored 4-0, followed by Jalen Green's layup and Clay's three-pointer, giving the Mavericks a 7-2 lead. VanVleet and Smith made free throws, while Washington and Clay continued to score, extending the Mavericks' lead to 10 points. Jalen Green, Smith, and Dillon narrowed the gap to 2 points. Gafford scored a layup, and Dillon scored 4 points in a row, leveling the game. Hardy and Kellebel scored, but Jalen Green, Shen Jing, and Dillon responded, allowing the Rockets to take a 1-point lead. Grammes, Hardy, and Powell scored 7-0 to regain a 6-point lead, ending the first quarter with the Mavericks leading 30-24.
In the second quarter, Adams scored from the offensive rebound, maintaining a 4-point lead. Grammes continued to score, although Whitmore responded, the gap widened to 9 points. Holiday scored a layup, and Dinwiddie responded with a three-pointer, giving the Mavericks a 10-point lead. Shen Jing and Whitmore narrowed the gap to 2 points. Irving scored a layup, and Shen Jing, Whitmore, and Jalen Green scored in succession, allowing the Rockets to overtake by 9 points. Hardy and Irving narrowed the gap to 3 points, but Dillon and Jalen Green responded, ending the half with the Rockets leading 61-52.
In the third quarter, Smith scored a three-pointer, extending the Rockets' lead to 12 points. Lively scored a hook shot, but Dillon, Shen Jing, and Smith responded, increasing the lead to 16 points. Dinwiddie, Clay, and Irving narrowed the gap to 10 points. Dillon, Smith, and Shen Jing scored, while Irving and Gafford chased points, leaving a 13-point gap. Jalen Green and Tate scored, while Prosper and Grammes chased points, leaving an 11-point gap. Dillon scored a three-pointer, ending the third quarter with the Rockets leading 89-75.
In the fourth quarter, Adams dunked, giving the Rockets a 16-point lead. Clay scored two three-pointers and Dinwiddie added another, while Holiday, Smith, Whitmore, and VanVleet responded, maintaining a 15-point lead. Lively dunked, but Jalen Green and Whitmore responded, extending the lead to 18 points. Irving and Kellebel scored, and Jalen Green made 2 of 2 free throws, keeping a 16-point lead. Grammes, Irving, and Hardy scored, but Shen Jing responded with 4 points in a row, maintaining a 15-point lead with 2 minutes left in the game. The Mavericks withdrew their main players, and the Rockets ultimately won 110-99, reversing the game after trailing in the first quarter.
Shen Jing scored 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals (setting a career record for steals), Jalen Green scored 22 points and 5 rebounds, Whitmore scored 18 points and 3 rebounds (shooting 7 of 9, including 3 of 4 from three-point range), performing well. Dillon scored 19 points and 6 rebounds, and Smith scored 12 points and 2 rebounds. VanVleet scored 5 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals (shooting 1 of 8).
Irving scored 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks (shooting 7 of 13), Clay scored 16 points and 5 rebounds (shooting 6 of 11, including 4 of 8 from three-point range), Grammes scored 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, Lively scored 8 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks, and Hardy scored 11 points and 3 assists.
The Rockets have won both games against the Mavericks this season, truly rising. After winning, the Rockets maintained their third place in the West, while the Mavericks remained in fourth after their loss. However, the Nuggets also had a game today, and if they win, they will surpass the Mavericks in the standings. Young teams like the Rockets, Grizzlies, and Thunder are performing exceptionally well, changing the landscape of the West.