The Dallas Mavericks emerged victorious against the Houston Rockets on February 8, 2025, with a final score of 116-105, marking the Mavericks' first home game since the controversial trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. The atmosphere at the American Airlines Center was charged as fans expressed their displeasure over the trade, creating tension throughout the event.
Playing without their star guard Fred VanVleet, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, the Rockets aimed to turn around their recent streak of six consecutive losses. The matchup was significant for both teams; the Mavericks (27-25) sought to build on their recent momentum from defeating the Boston Celtics, whereas the Rockets (32-19) were reeling from a recent defeat by the Timberwolves.
All eyes were on Anthony Davis, who made his highly anticipated Mavericks debut after being traded from the Lakers just days earlier. Davis didn’t disappoint, scoring 26 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, quickly making his impact known. Highlighting the intensity of the situation, he was double-teamed on his first touch, indicative of the immediate respect he commanded.
By halftime, the Mavericks led 65-48, demonstrating significant depth with contributions from new additions like Max Christie, who scored 23 points, and established stars like Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving, both adding 13 points. The team shot efficiently, hitting 52.2% from three-point range, compared to Houston’s struggling 28.6%.
Initially, the Rockets found themselves struggling; the first quarter ended with them down 33-20 after shooting only 35% from the field. Jalen Green stood out for Houston, scoring 24 points and contributing six assists, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Mavericks' sizeable lead.
Houston adjusted after half-time, altering their lineup by putting Steven Adams alongside Alperen Sengun. This change allowed them to claw back, reducing the deficit to just two points at one juncture during the third quarter thanks to Sengun’s offensive outburst, scoring 25 of his total 30 points in the second half. This surge sparked hope of a comeback for the Rockets, as they capitalized on defensive lapses from Dallas.
Despite Houston’s resurgence, the Mavericks maintained composure down the stretch. With Davis sidelined temporarily due to injury, Irving’s steady play was key. He scored six points during the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, helping keep the Mavericks’ lead comfortable. The Rockets tightened the game at various points; they narrowed the score to 104-100 with only two minutes remaining. Their youthful trio of Sengun, Thompson, and Green combined to score 74 points but fell short as Dallas hit timely three-pointers and key free throws.
Houston’s Coach Ime Udoka highlighted the challenge of overcoming Davis's presence and managing defensive physicality, acknowledging the need for his players to adapt to the mounting pressure. The Rockets’ lineup struggles and recent performance trends reflect the need for consistency as they aim to solidify their playoff positioning.
This encounter was unique as it marked the first time since 1998 the Mavericks played at home without either Dirk Nowitzki or Dončić, emphasizing the seismic changes within the franchise. Mavericks’ fans cheered during Davis's remarkable debut but voiced their disagreement with the management's direction through protests and signs, rallying behind the former face of the franchise, Dončić.
The Mavericks will look to build on their success as they face the Sacramento Kings next. Conversely, the Rockets are on the verge of slipping significantly down the Western Conference standings and will host the Toronto Raptors next, hoping to regroup and end their losing streak.