Houston Rockets Fall Short in Tight Battle Against Mavericks

The Houston Rockets put up a fierce fight on the road but couldn’t overcome a late surge from the Dallas Mavericks, dropping a close 110-104 contest. Dallas relied on standout performances from Anthony Davis, who scored 26, and Max Christie, who added 24, to keep Houston at bay in a game that stayed tight until the final minutes.

Houston’s young core showed grit throughout the matchup. Despite trailing early, the Rockets pushed back in the second half and cut the deficit several times, fueled by aggressive drives and timely stops. However, Dallas held momentum late, leaning on their top scorers to seal the win.

The loss comes during a challenging stretch in the Rockets’ schedule, where consistency has become a major theme. Houston flashed strong defensive sequences and ball movement but struggled to convert open looks in crucial moments, ultimately allowing Dallas to maintain just enough separation to escape with the win.

Why It Matters

This matchup offered a clear look at how close the Rockets are to turning competitive outings into victories. As the team continues to develop chemistry and confidence, staying poised in tight fourth-quarter moments will be essential.

For fans, the effort is encouraging—Houston’s young group isn’t backing down from tough Western Conference opponents. The Rockets’ potential is obvious, but execution in closing minutes remains the hurdle.

What’s Next

Houston returns home looking to regroup and take advantage of familiar territory. With several conference battles ahead, the Rockets aim to turn these narrow losses into important momentum-building wins.

This article is a summary of reporting by CBS News. Read the full story here.