Mavericks take control
Kyrie Irving scored 17 points, and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Houston Rockets 132-115 in a preseason game on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Venetian Arena in Macao, China. Dallas finished with a 37-30 scoring edge in the fourth quarter to secure the victory after Houston had stayed within reach through three periods.
Dallas improved to 1-1 in the preseason, while Houston also moved to 1-1. The Rockets were the designated home team at the neutral site, which drew an announced attendance of 11,711.
Dallas builds its lead
The Mavericks held a 28-27 advantage after the opening quarter. Houston led 8-5 early, but Dallas answered with scoring from Irving, P.J. Washington, Cooper Flagg and Max Christie before taking the lead. The Rockets' Marcus Smart connected on multiple shots in the period, including a 25-foot 3-pointer, but Dallas ended the quarter in front.
Dallas created separation in the second. The Mavericks outscored Houston 30-24 and carried a 58-51 lead into halftime. A 3-pointer by Sergio de Larrea and several baskets from Daniel Gafford helped Dallas extend the margin. Smart and Reed Sheppard provided points for Houston during the quarter, and the Rockets remained within seven at the break.
