Mavericks hang tough with Rockets, but offensive ineptitude bites Dallas again in loss

Mike Curtis, The Denver Post on Nov 3, 2025

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HOUSTON — The first meeting of the season between the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets was a clash between two vastly different offenses.

Dallas entered Monday’s matchup with the worst offensive rating in the NBA at 104.5, while the new-look Rockets boasted the best offensive rating in the league (127.9).

What started as a competitive game between Southwest Division rivals ended in another loss for the Mavericks as they were defeated 110-102 at the Toyota Center.

A lot went well for Dallas. PJ Washington made a statement, leading the Mavericks with season-highs in points (29) and rebounds (12). Max Christie was a constant source of offense, especially from beyond the arc. Dallas was successful in transition, finishing with a season-high 24 fast break points.

However, more worked in the Rockets’ favor. Houston received 91 points from their starters, led by Amen Thompson who finished with 27 points, five rebounds and four assists. The third-year guard used his athleticism to constantly attack Dallas’ shorthanded frontcourt.

An eye-popping example of Thompson’s explosiveness occurred in the second quarter when he saved a pass from going out of bounds by passing to Alperen Sengun. The Rockets big man quickly threw the ball toward the rim and Thompson caught it for a reverse alley-oop. It was part of balanced performance for Sengun, who finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Kevin Durant totaled 21 points, six rebounds and five assists.

3-pointers were hard to come by for both teams on Monday, but Houston feasted at the rim with 62 paint points.

Washington had his best game of the season. The seventh-year forward often penetrated the paint with ease. His floater was efficient and he was successful finishing through contact. Washington had two dunks in transition over Rockets forward Durant, including a pivotal slam in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 99.

Flagg had his best first half of his career, scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, which included two 3-pointers. He banked in a triple from the top of the key in the final minute of the first half and smiled as he backpedaled down the floor.

That’s where the fun stopped for Flagg, who had a collision with Tari Eason that led to him nursing his left shoulder. Flagg injured the same shoulder Oct. 27 against Oklahoma City. He didn’t score in the second half, finishing with 12 points and five rebounds on 5-of-10 shooting.

The Mavericks had another injury scare in the third quarter when Daniel Gafford came up hobbling after contesting a shot. He walked to the locker room and missed the remainder of the third quarter, but returned in time to start the fourth. It was a natural cause of concern since Monday marked his second game this season after recovering from a sprained right ankle. Gafford finished with 14 points, four rebounds and three blocks.

Dallas will get somewhat of a reprieve Wednesday night when the winless New Orleans Pelicans, who rank 27th in offensive rating, visit American Airlines Center.

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