Houston Rockets Overpower Dallas Mavericks 135–117 in 2026 NBA Preseason Game
The Houston Rockets secured a 135–117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on October 9, 2026, highlighted by Tari Eason's dominant inside presence and Fred VanVleet's sharpshooting.
Archive recap · Listed by game date. First published Oct 17, 2026.
Tari Eason led the Houston Rockets with a commanding performance in their 135–117 win against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2026–27 NBA preseason on October 9, 2026. Eason contributed 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 2-of-2 from three-point range, and added 9 rebounds, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor.
Fred VanVleet complemented Eason with 17 points, hitting 5 of 12 field goals and an impressive 5 of 12 from beyond the arc, while also dishing out 7 assists and recording 2 steals. Their combined offensive output helped Houston maintain a lead throughout the game.
For Dallas, Cooper Flagg posted 19 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 7 of 14 from the field and converting all 4 of his free throws in 19 minutes. Naji Marshall added 16 points and 3 assists but struggled to match the Rockets’ perimeter efficiency. The key contrast lay in Houston's superior three-point shooting and rebounding presence, particularly Eason's 9 boards to Dallas’ leading rebounder Flagg's 6.
This statistical disparity underscored Houston’s advantage in interior play and perimeter shooting, contributing significantly to their 18-point preseason victory over Dallas.
- Game scores and player statistics supplied by BALLDONTLIE.
Corner Wire covers MLB, NFL and NBA through its own newsroom. Send a correction.