The Mavericks suffered another defeat at the hands of the Rockets, a game that exposed their current predicament. The scoreline of 99-110 may seem close, but in reality, there was no suspense. The Rockets did not have to exert much effort; they simply relied on their stable performance and efficient offense to easily secure the victory, while the Mavericks seemed to lose the game step by step themselves. In this match, Irving and Thompson combined for 9 turnovers, which became the core reason for the Mavericks' failure. Each turnover felt like digging their own grave. Irving's indecisiveness on offense and Thompson's frequent misses from three-point range made the entire Mavericks' offense seem directionless. You might wonder, how could these two former superstars falter so today? They are capable of better performances, but it is clear that they are no longer the figures who can lead the team forward.
At the start of the game, the Mavericks played reasonably well. Thompson's three-pointers were almost like a stabilizing force, and Washington's breakthroughs brought some vitality to the team, giving the Mavericks a temporary lead. However, everything was shattered by the Rockets' quick counterattacks. Jalen Green found his rhythm, and Shen Jing's performance in the paint made the Mavericks' defense helpless. Every time you thought the Mavericks could stabilize the situation, they would lose their composure. The Rockets played simply and directly, with many scoring options, while the Mavericks' defense was as fragile as paper, allowing anyone to score.
By the second quarter, the Rockets completely took control of the game. Shen Jing played like a giant, and the Mavericks could not stop him. Whitmore's consecutive three-pointers led to a 37-22 run that extinguished any hope for the Mavericks. You could see the Mavericks' players silently leaving the court, with no signs of a counterattack.
In the third quarter, the Rockets widened the gap again. Shen Jing remained the core of the team, while Jalen Green and Tate kept finding opportunities to attack the Mavericks from the outside. The Mavericks' turnovers continued to increase, and their offense struggled to organize itself. Although Prosper and Grimes looked decent statistically, they were not on the same level as the Rockets' collective performance. The Rockets played with ease and fluidity, while the Mavericks moved sluggishly and anxiously.
In the final quarter, Thompson finally found some form, hitting several three-pointers. However, what difference did his points make? The Rockets maintained their lead, and the Mavericks' counterattacks posed no threat. Jalen Green and Whitmore scored continuously, and the Rockets expanded their lead once more, ultimately securing the win.
Returning to Irving and Thompson, one an offensive genius, the other a historic shooter, but both had disappointing performances today. Irving's drives were often aborted, intercepted, or resulted in turnovers. Thompson's three-point shots were mostly off-target, rarely finding their mark. Watching them, you might glimpse images of their past glory, but now they are no longer the figures who can turn the tide for the team.
Washington's injury withdrawal further weakened an already depleted lineup. With Doncic absent and Marshall suspended, they lost another key rotational player. The role players who should have filled the gaps are now mere spectators. The Mavericks' bench depth is severely lacking, and injuries and suspensions have pushed this already shallow team to the brink.
The Rockets won easily and deservedly. Shen Jing's dominance inside, Jalen Green and VanVleet's offense, and Whitmore's outside shooting left few opportunities for the Mavericks. The Rockets' players remained calm; despite being a young squad, their coordination, tactical execution, and team spirit completely overshadowed the Mavericks. Although young, the Rockets' growth is traceable, gradually showcasing the image of a competitive team.
For the Mavericks, this game was a complete warning. Injuries, suspensions, turnovers, and the underwhelming performances of star players mean they will likely struggle to maintain their fourth position in the West. Neither Irving nor Thompson can carry the team without Doncic.
The Rockets' simple victory delivered a profound lesson to the Mavericks: In the NBA, victories are not solely determined by star players. A healthy roster and a clear tactical system are the keys to winning every game. The Mavericks clearly have serious issues in both areas.