Alperen Sengun delivered 23 points, and Jalen Green added 22 as the Houston Rockets used a commanding second-half performance to secure a 110-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Dillon Brooks contributed 19 points, while Cam Whitmore chipped in 18, helping Houston bounce back after two straight losses.
Trailing by four midway through the second quarter, the Rockets found their rhythm, closing the half with a 21-8 run to take a 61-52 advantage into the break. Green fueled the surge with eight points, and Whitmore connected on a pair of timely three-pointers to spark the momentum.
Houston came out strong after halftime, beginning the third quarter with an 11-4 run to extend the lead to 72-56 within the first three minutes. The Rockets carried a 14-point lead into the final quarter and never let the Mavericks threaten, maintaining a comfortable double-digit cushion throughout.
Dallas saw the return of Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II after they missed Monday’s game, but their efforts weren’t enough. Quentin Grimes led the Mavericks with 17 points off the bench, while Irving and Thompson each scored 16. Missing Luka Doncic, sidelined with a calf strain, the Mavericks struggled to keep up with the Rockets in the second half.
Houston’s efficient free-throw shooting proved decisive, as the Rockets converted 18 of 23 attempts compared to Dallas’ 8 of 16. Despite missing Amen Thompson, who began a two-game suspension for his role in an altercation with Miami’s Tyler Herro, Houston’s depth delivered when needed.
The pivotal stretch came during a 32-12 run spanning the second and third quarters, turning a close game into a runaway victory. With the win, the Rockets showed resilience and returned to form, and we grade the players for their performances.
Alperen Sengun: A
Stats: 23 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 6 STL, 0 BLK, 4 TO, 2 PF, 9-16 FG, 0-1 3PT, 5-8 FT, +21, 37 MIN
Alperen Sengun delivered an exceptional performance, leading the Rockets with 23 points while adding 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and an impressive 6 steals. His ability to disrupt Dallas’ offense and anchor Houston’s defense was crucial, highlighted by a game-high +21 plus/minus. Despite 4 turnovers, Sengun’s scoring efficiency and all-around impact made him the clear standout.
Dillon Brooks: B+
Stats: 19 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 6-15 FG, 3-8 3PT, 4-4 FT, +9, 40 MIN
Dillon Brooks provided 19 points and 6 rebounds while playing solid perimeter defense all night long. He shot 6-of-15 from the field, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, and hit all 4 of his free throws. Although his scoring wasn’t highly efficient, his ability to limit mistakes and his strong defensive presence (limiting Kyrie Irving to only 16 points) give him a very high score.
Jalen Green: B+
Stats: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 0 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, 9-21 FG, 0-3 3PT, 4-5 FT, +18, 38 MIN
Jalen Green contributed 22 points and 5 rebounds, serving as a key offensive option throughout the game. He shot 9-of-21 from the field but struggled from deep, missing all three of his three-point attempts. Despite limited playmaking, Green’s aggressive drives and timely scoring runs were instrumental in extending Houston’s lead.
Cam Whitmore: B+
Stats: 18 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 2 PF, 7-9 FG, 3-4 3PT, 1-1 FT, +12, 24 MIN
Cam Whitmore stepped up with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, in just 24 minutes. His efficiency and ability to score in bursts provided a significant spark off the bench. Whitmore’s contributions during the Rockets’ decisive second-quarter run were particularly impactful.
Jabari Smith Jr.: C+
Stats: 12 PTS, 2 REB, 0 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 1 PF, 5-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 1-2 FT, -4, 23 MIN
Jabari Smith Jr. added 12 points on efficient 5-of-8 shooting but grabbed only 2 rebounds in 23 minutes. His defensive effort included 2 steals and 1 block, but his overall impact was limited. Smith’s inconsistency on the boards and quiet fourth quarter held him back from a higher grade.
Fred VanVleet: C+
Stats: 5 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST, 5 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 3 PF, 1-8 FG, 0-4 3PT, 3-3 FT, +16, 42 MIN
VanVleet had a rough shooting night, scoring just 5 points on 1-of-8 from the field and missing all four of his three-point attempts. However, his 7 assists and 5 steals showcased his ability to contribute in other areas. Despite his offensive struggles, his defensive activity helped Houston maintain control.
Aaron Holiday: C
Stats: 4 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 2-4 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT, -8, 15 MIN
Holiday scored 4 points on 2-of-4 shooting in 15 minutes off the bench. He recorded 1 assist and 1 rebound but failed to make a significant impact on either end of the floor. His quiet performance reflected his limited role in the game.
Jae’Sean Tate: C
Stats: 3 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 2 PF, 1-5 FG, 1-1 3PT, 0-0 FT, -7, 15 MIN
Tate contributed 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 15 minutes. His energy on defense was evident, but his offensive inefficiency (1-of-5 shooting) and lack of a strong presence in critical moments kept his grade average.
Steven Adams: N/A
Stats: 4 PTS, 4 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 2-3 FG, 0-0 3PT, 0-0 FT, -2, 7 MIN
Adams played just 7 minutes, scoring 4 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. His limited playing time and lack of impact in other statistical categories make it difficult to assign a comprehensive grade.
