Imagine a rookie stepping up to deliver a career-best performance, propelling his team to a thrilling victory in a tightly contested matchup. That’s exactly what happened when Amen Thompson’s season-high 27 points became the catalyst for the Houston Rockets’ fourth consecutive win, this time against the Dallas Mavericks in a 110-102 showdown on Monday night. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this win wasn’t just about Thompson’s breakout game—it was a testament to the Rockets’ resilience after a shaky 0-2 start to the season.
Alperen Sengun played a pivotal role, dropping 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but it was his clutch moment late in the game that truly stood out. With just 90 seconds left and the Rockets clinging to a one-point lead, Sengun drove into the lane, spun past a defender, and calmly sank a shot to extend the lead to 105-102. And this is the part most people miss: it was Josh Okogie’s two free throws—his only points of the game—that effectively sealed the deal, pushing the lead to 107-102 with a minute remaining.
The Mavericks, playing their second straight game without star Anthony Davis due to a strained calf, fought hard behind P.J. Washington’s season-high 29 points and 12 rebounds. Yet, despite their efforts, they couldn’t overcome the Rockets’ late-game execution. Thompson’s clutch free throw and a game-saving block on No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, followed by Tari Eason’s dunk, put the final nail in the coffin.
But here’s the controversial part: While the Rockets celebrated their fourth straight win, questions linger about the Mavericks’ struggles. Are they simply missing Davis, or is there a deeper issue at play? Kevin Durant’s 21 points on 6-of-18 shooting raised eyebrows—is he still finding his rhythm, or is this a sign of a larger challenge for Dallas?
The game wasn’t without its dramatic swings. After Durant finally hit his first 3-pointer of the night—after missing his first six—the Mavericks briefly took control, tying the game at 99-all with four minutes left. But the Rockets’ composure down the stretch proved decisive.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks host New Orleans on Wednesday, while the Rockets kick off a three-game road trip in Memphis the same night. Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Can the Rockets sustain this momentum, or will their early-season success prove to be a fleeting moment? And for the Mavericks, is this just a rough patch, or are they in for a tougher season than expected? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
