The Houston Rockets faced off against the Dallas Mavericks in a Texas derby on January 2nd, as the NBA regular season continued with intense competition. The Rockets secured a significant victory over the Mavericks with a score of 110-99, completing their third double-kill of the season. This win not only solidified the Rockets' position but also presented favorable opportunities for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers to push for the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings, where there is now a two-win difference between the fourth and eighth positions, significantly altering the landscape of the conference.
In the game against the Mavericks, five Rockets players scored in double figures, contributing to their third double-kill of the season. The match was intense from the start, with the Mavericks initially leading 7-2 after a three-pointer by Klay Thompson. However, the Rockets fought back with inside scoring and gradually closed the gap. Both teams engaged in fierce battles throughout the game, with the Mavericks maintaining their lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Rockets managed to catch up and eventually overtake the Mavericks, leading by 9 points at halftime. The Rockets continued to expand their lead in the third quarter, ending it with a 14-point advantage. In the final quarter, despite the Mavericks' attempts to close the gap with consecutive three-pointers, the Rockets maintained a strong inside attack and secured the victory with a comfortable margin.
Notable scorers for the Rockets included Alperen Sengun with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Jalen Green with 22 points and 5 rebounds. For the Mavericks, Klay Thompson scored 16 points with 5 rebounds, and Kyrie Irving contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Looking ahead to January, the Rockets face a challenging schedule, including matchups against the Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, and Boston Celtics. They will also engage in a crucial positioning battle against the Grizzlies, with games scheduled roughly every two days. Whether the Rockets can maintain their top-three position in the West or even push for the second spot remains to be seen, and fans eagerly await their upcoming performances.
